Report from Moseley: New Ferry Has the Shakes

Inaugural sailing of Chetzemoka postponed; new sea trials set

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division Assistant Secretary David Moseley reported on Aug. 6:

The Aug. 29 inaugural sailing of the new Chetzemoka ferry is being postponed as additional sea trials are conducted this week regarding excessive vibration. A new date for the first sailing between Port Townsend and Keystone has not been set. I am looking forward to getting the boat in service and the celebration event just as much as the communities served on this route, but our first priority is to have a safe and fully operational vessel.

Sea trials are took place this week to collect data on maneuvering characteristics and corresponding stopping distances. The goal is to determine if operational limitations will allow the vessel to be put into service sooner while longer-term work continues on the vibration issues. I’m confident we will isolate the problem soon and find a remedy as quickly as possible.  A new date for the inaugural sailing will be set as soon as possible. For more information about the Chetzemoka, please visit wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Ferries/64CarFerries

The sea trials team is comprised of a Master and crew hired by Todd with their Test and Trials Department. The sea trials must be conducted away from other marine traffic to complete the demonstrations efficiently and without interference from other vessels.Following the sea trials, WSF crews will begin operational training and familiarization with the Chetzemoka on the Port Townsend/Keystone route in preparation for the vessel to begin service in late summer, Moseley said last week.

Approved contract change orders have granted an additional 30 days to the delivery schedule. WSF and Todd have developed an integrated delivery schedule which will allow Todd to complete final outfitting while WSF conducts crew training and familiarization, Moseley said.

The Chetzemoka is the first new Washington State Ferry of the 21^st century, and the first step in replacing the ferry system’s aging fleet to ensure continued safe and reliable service..