Hiyu expected to be in San Juans
from early Feb to mid-June
Sidney service resumes March 30
posted 01-19-2008
Washington State Ferries has been working with the U.S. Coast Guard to schedule vessel dry-docking that meets safety concerns and minimizes impacts to customers. Between now and the start of the summer schedule on June 21, adjustments in vessel assignments are anticipated as WSF must downsize the vessel size on some routes to allow vessels to go in for maintenance and repairs. These changes will be felt throughout the system, but primarily on the Seattle/Bremerton and Anacortes/San Juan Islands routes.
Anticipated Service Adjustments
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is committed to providing timely notice to our
customers and communities in advance of any planned service adjustments.
Between January and the start of the 2008 Summer Schedule on June 21, WSF
anticipates the following service impacts.
Note: These service scenarios are subject to change at any time based on drydock
availability and emerging maintenance and repair needs. This document will be
updated frequently and new versions available online beginning Jan. 22.
ANACORTES/SAN JUAN ISLANDS
Early-Feb – mid-June
The Hiyu (34-cars) will operate on the San Juan Islands Inter-island
route. This route has historically been served by a 59-car Steel
Electric class vessel. On Tuesday, November 20, Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond announced that WSF would pull
all Steel Electric class vessels out of service due to concerns about their safety. The Illahee normally
operated on the inter-island route.
What should customers expect?
Chelan, Sealth, and Hiyu
will serve the
Anacortes/San Juan Islands routes. This reduces capacity between
Anacortes and the San Juan Islands.
What should customers expect?
-
Reduced capacity for vehicles traveling between Anacortes and the
islands. This will have more of an impact than usual because the
inter-island route is also downsized during this period.
-
WSF may adjust the schedule during this time to accommodate
traffic at busy times.
Note: Service to Sidney, BC resumes on March 30.
PORT TOWNSEND/KEYSTONE
Early-Feb – Spring 2009
This route has been without vehicle service since Nov. 20, 2007
when the Steel Electrics were pulled out of service.
The Steilacoom II (50-car), leased from Pierce County, will
operate on the route and allow vehicle service to resume. The route
will be on a one-boat schedule (with sailings approximately every 90
minutes). The route normally operates on a two-boat schedule from
May-Oct.
During periods when the STEILACOOM II is unavailable, the
passenger ferry Snohomish will provide back-up passenger-only
service between Port Townsend and Keystone. There will be no
vehicle service during these times.
What should customers expect?
- Longer wait times and sold out sailings, especially in peak times such
as weekends and holidays.
-
New load restrictions for trucks (exact details to be announced soon).
-
Periods when vehicle service is unavailable. Vehicles will need to
use the Edmonds/Kingston and Mukilteo/Clinton routes as a detour.
SEATTLE/BREMERTON
March 2 - March 22
Two 124-car vessels (Chelan and Kitsap will operate on the
route instead of a 144-car and a 124-car vessel.
What should customers expect?
-
Reduced capacity for vehicles and walk-ons, especially during peak
commute periods. This may lead to more overloads and longer wait
times.
All other routes will maintain their regular service schedule.
Pierce County will need to use the Steilacoom II as a back-up vessel when its other vessel, the Christine
Anderson, is out of service for maintenance or repairs. In addition, the Steilacoom II requires a U.S. Coast
Guard credit dry-docking in December 2008 and may need to be pulled from service for other maintenance
needs.
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