Rough Waters for Washington State Ferries
Improved funding and management changes have the nation’s largest ferry system on a course to better times. Challenges remain, but WSF tackles each one in turn. Unlike the citizens of British Columbia, which pays a German shipyard to build its ferries, Washington state residents resolutely invest at home. By law, ferries are built locally and the results, overall, seem win-win. The state’s Office of Financial Management estimates that every $75 million in ferry construction generates about $90 million for the state’s economy.
Vigor Delivers Washington’s First 144-car Ferry
Vigor Fab delivered the Tokitae, the state’s newest ferry, to Washington State Ferry officials this week. The Olympic class Tokitae is the first of three 144-car ferries currently planned. It will enter service this summer on the Clinton-Mukilteo route. The second vessel, the Samish, is currently under construction at Vigor with delivery planned for early next year. State lawmakers have provided funding for a third ferry and construction is expected to start toward the end of this year.
New Olympic-class Ferry Joins WSF Fleet
Washington State Ferries says that the Olympic-class 'Tokitae' has joined its ferry fleet and will embark on its maiden public voyage on the Mukilteo/Clinton route this summer. When Washington State Ferries has accepted the Tokitae from builder/contractor Vigor Industrial, crews will begin operational drills, including training and familiarization aboard the vessel. Christened Tokitae (rhymes with ‘Polka-tay’), the new ferry’s name comes from a Coast Salish dialect meaning, “nice day, pretty colors.” It is the first of three funded Olympic class vessels designed to replace the aging 1950s-era Evergreen State Class ferries. “With three new 64-car ferries operating…
Capacci Named Washington Ferries Chief
State Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson today named Capt. George A. Capacci interim assistant secretary in charge of the Ferries Division for the Washington State Department of Transportation. Capacci will lead the ferry system until a permanent assistant secretary is selected. WSDOT will conduct a nationwide search to find the best replacement for outgoing Assistant Secretary David Moseley who resigned effective April 15. Capacci joined Washington State Ferries in 2009 as regional port captain and was promoted to deputy chief of operations and construction for ferries in 2010. In his current position, he is responsible for overseeing ferry operations, vessel maintenance and preservation and terminal engineering.
State leaders christen first Olympic-class ferry at Vigor
State elected, transportation and manufacturing leaders were on hand today to celebrate the christening of the state’s first 144-car Olympic Class ferry, the M/V Tokitae, at Vigor Industrial’s shipyard in Seattle. Lynn Peterson, Washington’s Secretary of Transportation, served as the ship’s sponsor and broke a bottle to christen the new ferry before a crowd of more than 200 people. Speakers at the ceremony explained that the vessels will ensure safe, reliable ferry service, save taxpayers money and provide jobs for the state’s maritime workforce.
Peterson Comments on Moseley' Resignation
Washington Secretary of Transportation Lynn Peterson issued a statement regarding the resignation of Assistant Secretary for Washington State Ferries David Moseley. Peterson's comments are as follows. After six years of service, Assistant Secretary for Washington State Ferries David Moseley has announced his plans to resign on April 15. David can be proud of his distinguished service at WSF and the many accomplishments he has made while at the helm of the ferry system. I thank him for his contributions and leadership in a position that has tremendous challenges and issues.
