WSF: Construction to Start on 144-car Ferry
State invests in expanding ferry fleet, but funding unavailable for more vessels. Construction will begin early next year on a new 144-car ferry. The Ferries Division of the Washington State Department of Transportation today signed a contract change order with Vigor Industrial and its US Fab shipbuilding division to begin construction. “This has been a momentous week for Washington state and our ferry system,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. Work on this first vessel will create an estimated 200 family-wage jobs at Vigor and 350 jobs at subcontractors, vendors and other shipyards in the region.
Washington Gov. Gregoire to Lead Contingent of Top-Tier Presenters at AAPA’s 100th Annual Convention
Sept. 11-15 conference to also spotlight Port of Seattle’s centennial anniversary. Against the backdrop of one of the USA’s busiest and most picturesque working waterfronts, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) -representing seaports throughout the Western Hemisphere - will hold its 100th Annual Convention, Sept. 11-15, in Seattle. “We’re thrilled to be holding our 100th Annual Convention and Expo in Seattle, which last hosted it 22 years ago and, prior to that, during the Port of Seattle’s 10th anniversary in 1921,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. “Throughout the week-long business program, attendees will hear from top government…
Washington State Ferry System Reform Action Plan
Washington State Ferries (WSF) said it will work to implement a majority of 36 recommendations made by an independent panel to improve ferry operations. Changes will come in ferry management, vessel and terminal maintenance, finance, scheduling, labor and customer service, according to an action plan the Ferries Division of the Washington State Department of Transportation submitted to Gov. Chris Gregoire. “We have a world-class ferry system that provides marine highways throughout the Puget Sound region that are vital to our economy and our way of life,” Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond said. In March, Gov. Gregoire asked the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) to conduct a review of how well WSF has implemented changes recommended by past system reviews and audits…
WSDOT Awards Bid for Additional 64-Car Ferries
Washington State Department of Transportation’s Ferries Division (WSF) announced on Oct. 13, that it is awarding a contract to Todd Pacific Shipyards to build two additional 64-car ferries. Todd Shipyards submitted a $114m bid on Thursday, October 8 to build two more 64-car ferries. With the contract award, Todd will begin constructing the second and third ferries in this new class of vessels. WSF awarded a contract to Todd to construct the first 64-car ferry in December 2008. That vessel is under construction and scheduled to go into service on the Port Townsend/Keystone route in late-summer 2010. “This contract award is expected to sustain nearly 400 family wage jobs,” said. Gov. Chris Gregoire.
Final Contract to Fund Neah Bay Response Tug
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has extended its contract agreement with Crowley Maritime Corp. to station a state-funded emergency response tug at Neah Bay for another full year of service beginning July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010. Under the $3.6m extension agreement, an emergency response tug will remain at Neah Bay to prevent disabled ships and barges from drifting onto rocks and causing oil spills in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Washington's outer coast. The contract marks the final year the state will pay for the emergency response tug service. On March 24, 2009, Gov.
New ferry for Port Townsend/Keystone
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division announced on Dec. 1 that it is awarding a contract to Todd Pacific Shipyards to build one 64-auto ferry. Todd Shipyards submitted a $65.5m bid last month to build one 64-auto ferry. With the contract award, the new ferry is on an 18-month construction timeline. "Our economy and the people who depend upon this ferry route will greatly benefit from this contract. This award is expected to generate nearly 200 jobs," said Gov. Chris Gregoire.
WA Petitions Against LNG Terminal License
In this case, Ecology argues the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) prematurely awarded a license in September to Northern Star Natural Gas for a liquefied natural gas terminal and pipeline that impacts Washington and communities. The proposed pipeline route for the Bradwood Landing project would cross the Columbia River and extend 17 miles underground through . Federal law requires FERC to perform a detailed environmental impact review. Ecology takes issue with the adequacy of FERC's review which guided the Commission's license decision. Rather than wait for FERC's decision on the request for rehearing, Gov. Chris Gregoire directed Ecology to help conduct a thorough environmental review through the State Environmental Policy Act.
WSDOT to Move Forward with Ferry Construction
Gov. Chris Gregoire announced that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will move forward with construction of two 64-car Home style vessels and will not build a smaller 50-car vessel. WSDOT no longer plans to build a 50-car Steilacoom II style vessel, which was originally intended to fill the gap in service until the two Island Homes were built. Instead, WSDOT reached agreement with to extend the lease on one of the County’s ferries until new vessels can be built for the route. Home style ferry is ready for service in spring 2010. WSDOT is working toward building five new ferries – three 144-car vessels and two new 60-car Home style vessels.
Year-round Response Tug for Neah Bay
A state-funded emergency response tug will be stationed at Neah Bay, ready to prevent oil spills 365 days a year under a contract extension agreement signed today between the Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Crowley Maritime Corporation (Crowley).The extension agreement marks the first time that a response tug will be stationed at Neah Bay for a full year of service. During the 2008 legislative session, Gov. Chris Gregoire and lawmakers provided $3.7m for emergency response tug service. Under the contract, Crowley will station a high-horsepower, ocean-going tug at Neah Bay from July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009. “Every year, thousands of vessels carrying billions of gallons of oil make transits through the Strait of Juan de Fuca,” said Gov. Gregoire.
Governor Announces First Innovation Partnership Zones
Governor Chris Gregoire announced the designation of 11 Innovation Partnership Zones in Washington, geographic areas that will promote and develop the state’s regional economies. Innovation Partnership Zones build on the success around the world of “research parks,” such as the Research Triangle in North Carolina and Torrey Pines in California and bring together research and higher education opportunities, innovation and economic activity to be a strong engine for regional economies. “Washington is home to some of the greatest innovations in the world and I am excited to support the continued success of our state’s world-class companies,” said Governor Gregoire.
Contract Signed for Winter Rescue Tug Coverage
The Department of Ecology (Ecology) and Crowley Maritime Corp. agreed to continue a contract stationing a company rescue tug at Neah Bay from October 2007 through mid-March 2008. A rescue tug has been stationed at Neah Bay since spring 1999. The tug has stood by or assisted 33 ships that were disabled or had reduced maneuvering or propulsion capability while transiting along the coast and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The actions helped ensure the ships didn't drift onto rocks and spill oil. "The Neah Bay area is sacred to the Makah Tribe and Washington's coast is a world-class treasure," said Gov. Chris Gregoire. "Flanked by the Olympic National Park along the coast and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary where thousands of ships…
Todd Pacific, Martinac and Nicols Brothers to Submit Joint Proposal to WSF
Todd Shipyards Corporation announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation has reached an agreement with J.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Corp. and Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Inc., to submit a Joint Single Proposal to build ferries for the Washington State Ferry System (WSF). A bill (SHB 2378) approved by the Washington State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Chris Gregoire earlier this year created a 30-day period during which "pre-qualified" and "best-qualified" shipyards -- Todd, Martinac and Nichols -- could seek to come to agreement on a Joint Single Proposal for the construction of four New 144-Auto Ferries for WSF. The discussions, which were moderated by the Governor's Office, concluded with an agreement to submit a proposal.
