Washington State Ferry (WSF) service disruptions should diminish soon, as three ferries return to service from shipyard.
The expected return to service of three ferry vessels over the next two weeks will help alleviate temporary service disruptions occurring now on two major ferry routes.
The 202-car Tacoma, in for routine maintenance, is expected to return to service Friday evening, Dec. 14. That will be followed Monday, Dec. 17, by the return of the 90-car Sealth, now awaiting dry dock availability for weld repairs. And, the 144-car Hyak, also in for routine maintenance, is expected to be back on its route in late December following Coast Guard inspection.
Two other ferries, the 87-car Klahowya and the 188-car Walla Walla, are expected to return to service mid- Jan. and spring 2013, respectively. The Klahowya is awaiting repairs to a propulsion generator, while the Walla Walla is awaiting repairs to a drive motor.
The unusual cluster of several boats out of service at one time has prompted short-term vessel downsizing and service disruptions on the Seattle/Bremerton and Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth routes. Customers should plan for longer waits and some delays.
“We appreciate the patience of our customers as we work to return vessels to service,” said David Moseley, assistant secretary for the Washington State Department of Transportation, Ferries Division. “I want to thank our crews who have worked tirelessly to manage vessel moves and the capacity issues on the routes affected.”