Blog

WSF’s bulletin this week included drawing of the new hybrid Olympic Class ferries. At the same time, the RIF was released, which included some very interesting information. All Olympic Class ferries are not going to be alike: WSF contracted with a naval architecture firm, Elliott Bay Design Group, to refine the functional design that has been in development over the past two years and attain USCG approval.  These refinements will significantly improve vessel performance and Read more

OUCH! So, that’s what it looks like when a propeller blade snaps off. WSF posted this photo back on 28 September when the Walla Walla was moved into drydock. “Throwing a blade” was not all that uncommon back in the day, but that was with propellers where the blades were bolted to a center hub. It’s very unusual for this to happen to a “solid state” prop. However, it should be noted that this was Read more

When was this snipped of an editorial written? 2008? 1997? No, it’s yellowed newsprint, so it has to be a bit older than that. Would you believe…. 1965. Yep, that’s right. Noted in an editorial in a Port Angeles newspaper fifty-eight years ago. Oh, incidentally, what’s the fleet of today? Why, 21 vessels! The newest vessel? Suquamish, which is just about six years old. And the oldest? The Tillikum, at 64. Only 9 of the Read more

The bids came in for the conversion of the Jumbo Mark II’s, and not surprisingly, they’re above what the state expected to spend. Like 25% more. This isn’t surprising giving the state’s predilection for low-balling constructions costs on, well, everything and the fact that costs on materials, etc have greatly increased since the pandemic. The Wenatchee is due to be pulled from service this September for about a year while the conversion work takes place, Read more

Disappointing, but not surprising… WSF is not going to be able to restore service on the Vashon Island or Bremerton routes this year as planned. While hiring is up, retirements are as well. This problem is not unique to Washington State Ferries or even Washington State. B.C. Ferries continues to have staffing issues, as does, the rest of the world. About those new boats… We’re now half-way through 2023 and there is no sign of Read more

Not too much of a shock, but WSF’s internal investigation determined that the captain of the Cathlamet “lost situational awareness” and that was the cause of the crash, which, honestly, I believe is probably the worst I’d ever seen. In the years since the Cathlamet chewed up the docks at both Clinton and Mukilteo (Those instances were mechanical failures, as the entire Issaquah Class came to the fleet with totally whacked out propulsion systems….except, for Read more

It’s Smarch! That part of the year that can turn on a dime and be nasty, cold, wet, and even snowy one day, and warm and spring-like the next. A passive-aggressive month, with the start of allergy season, but the promise of warmer days, flowers, and yes, the stupid time change. Can’t we get rid of that already? (S)March is also bringing unwelcome news from both sides of the border. Those who simply can’t believe Read more