Construction Begins on Next-Generation Ferry
The first arc welds on the keel of Washington’s new 144-car ferry will be made later this month by the leaders of the state Legislature transportation committees, Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen of Camano Island and Rep. Judy Clibborn of Mercer Island. The two legislators will join Washington State Ferries officials and ship workers at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 29, to commemorate the moment when the vessel’s keel is laid in place at Vigor Industrial’s Harbor Island shipyard in Seattle. Keel laying, the maritime equivalent of placing a cornerstone, is a traditional milestone in ship building.
New Ferry Salish Begins Service July 1
The new 64-car ferry Salish will begin service on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route at noon on Friday, July 1, following a community celebration in Port Townsend on June 30. Two-boat service will continue on the route until Oct. 10. “I know how important it is to the communities to restore full service on the route in time for the busy holiday weekend,” said Assistant Secretary David Moseley. “This couldn’t have been accomplished without the hard work and dedication of many people. I especially want to thank the deck and engine crews for their role in bringing the Salish into service. The Salish begins service with the noon sailing from Port Townsend. The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) will begin taking vehicle reservations for the Salish soon.
