HomeMy WebLinkAbout110525 - WSF Update - week of 11_3ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Completed Sailings
For the week of Oct. 27 – Nov. 2 – completed 98.33% of our 3,059 scheduled sailings. Of the 51 cancellations, 37% (19) were due to crewing, 37% (19) were due to vessel-related issues,
16% (8) were due to weather, 6% (3) were due to terminal-related issues, 2% (1) were due to emergencies, and 2% (1) were due to other miscellaneous reasons.
For comparison, during a similar period last year (October 28 – November 3, 2024), we completed 98.6% of our 2,789 scheduled sailings. Of the 39 cancellations that week, 67% (26) were
due to vessel-related issues, 15% (6) were due to tidal currents, 10% (4) were due to other miscellaneous reasons, and 8% (3) were due to schedule resets (when a boat is so far behind
schedule, we cancel a sailing to get it back on schedule, providing predictability for customers).
Customer Service Alerts
For the week of Oct. 27 – Nov. 2 - our customer service team sent 81 rider alerts, received 1,670 customer calls, and fielded more than 105 written comments and emails related to reservations,
schedules, and fares.
WSF Weekly Media Highlights
New rules for damaged EVs on state ferries <https://www.djc.com/news/ht/12172680.html> Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (PDF included)
State Ferries announces timeline for planned route cancellations next year <https://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/news/state-ferries-announces-timeline-for-planned-route-cancellations-next-year/>
South Whidbey Record
Vessel Availability
We are now operating on our 17-vessel service throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons.
However, Wenatchee has been taken out of service due to a mechanical issue involving one of its electrical subsystems, discovered last week so we are currently operating with 16 vessels.
The vessel’s engine crew and maintenance teams are working to remove and replace the damaged equipment, which remains under warranty. The Wenatchee is expected to return to service
on the Seattle–Bainbridge route soon.
The reality of adding service: WSF will continue to operate without a dedicated service relief vessel and will instead provide the maximum possible service with available vessels. This
means that in the event of a vessel-related disruption, a route may operate at a reduced service level. As important as it is to have enough boats, WSF must also have the right classes
of vessels available to match terminal infrastructure to maintain full service on certain routes.
Hybrid Conversions/New Vessels/Terminal Electrification
New Vessels – Governor Bob Ferguson selected the $714.5 million bid from Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries. We 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.
WSF Community Engagement and Government Relations
Kingston Ferry Advisory Committee - Thursday, November 6.
Hadley Rodero (she/her)
Deputy Director, External Relations | Washington State Ferries
C: 206-818-3813| E: hadley.rodero@wsdot.wa.gov <mailto:hadley.rodero@wsdot.wa.gov>