WSF Ferry Suffers Engine Failure

The Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessel Suquamish suffered a significant main engine casualty while operating on the Mukilteo/Clinton route last week causing the vessel to go out of service in the afternoon leaving one vessel in place to support the route.

Unfortunately, this disruption occurred as many travelers were returning from one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in the Pacific Northwest, the 42nd Annual Oyster Run.

To cover for the Suquamish, the Kitsap was moved to Mukilteo/Clinton to restore two-boat service to what is the busiest vehicle route in the system.

The Sealth moved from the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route and replaced the Kitsap.

The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will be running on the two-boat schedule with the Kittitas and the Issaquah. However, the Salish will move from Port Townsend-Coupeville to the Triangle route as a bonus boat. This will end two-boat service on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route until May 2026.

The Suquamish has moved to Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility to begin main engine repairs.  The vessel is expected to be out of service for the next few weeks.

In other WSF news, Governor Bob Ferguson selected the $714.5 million bid from Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries. WSF will move forward with the contracting process, following the first competitive bid for ferry construction in more than 25 years.

Terminal Electrification – Vessel charging system proposals have been reviewed and an award announcement is expected soon.