HomeMy WebLinkAbout123025 email - WSF Update_ 12_29_26ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Here’s the latest update on WSF for the week of Dec. 29, 2026.
Just three days remaining until we wrap up 2025 and it looks like we will carry more than 20 million people for the year. We have also completed nearly 99%, 98.6% to be exact, of the
151,272 sailings scheduled for the year – an improvement from 2024.
We reached notable milestones this year, ensuring more dependable service with the return of nearly full domestic service, improved retention rates and secured a deal with Florida-based
Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new hybrid-electric ferries. WSF success for 2025 was also highlighted in a recent Seattle Times editorial story <https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/edit
orials/9-washingtonians-who-are-gifts-to-us-all/> applauding the head of ferries for efforts to rebuild public trust, improve morale within the workforce and reduce cancelled sailings.
There are dozens of other accomplishments this year that might not make headlines, but they matter. Each one makes a ferry ride a little better, a little smoother. Behind every sailing
is a team of people working tirelessly to keep our communities connected. Their commitment to serving the public, especially during the holiday season when they could be with their
own loved ones, is the foundation of everything we do.
Be on the lookout for more 2025 accomplishments, milestones and areas of focus for 2026 in our Year in Review release coming out soon.
Complete Sailings
For the week of December 22 – December 28 – For the week of December 22 – December 28, we completed 98.35% of our 3,028 scheduled sailings. Of the 54 cancellations, 46% (25) were due
to crewing, 26% (14) were due to vessel-related issues, 15% (8) were due to weather, 9% (5) 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), 2% (1) was due to an emergency, and 2% (1) was due to other miscellaneous reasons.
For comparison, during a similar period last year (December 23 – December 29, 2024), we completed 97.85% of our 2,790 scheduled sailings. Of the 68 cancellations that week, 46% (31)
were due to crewing, 18% (12) were due to weather, 15% (10) were due to terminal related issues, 9% (6) were due to tidal currents, 7% (5) were due to vessel-related issues, 3% (2)
were due to an emergency, 2% (1) was due to schedule resets, and 2% (1) was due to other miscellaneous reasons.
Customer Service Alerts
For the week of December 22 – December 28 – our customer service team sent 105 rider alerts, received 1,387 customer calls, and fielded more than 75 written comments and emails related
to reservations, schedules, and fares.
WSF Weekly Media Highlights
Washington State Ferries begin winter schedules, additional routes adjusted <https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/washington-state-ferries-winter-schedules> Fox 13
'Ghost boat' without crew creates dangerous situation at Washington ferry terminal <https://www.aol.com/news/ghost-boat-without-crew-creates-181952215.html?guccounter=1> AOL
WA Gov. Ferguson calls for $800M in reductions to fill $2.3 billion budget gap <https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/state/washington/article313907595.html> The News Tribune
Vessel Availability
We are now operating on our 17-vessel service schedule throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons. In addition, 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.
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.
Terminal Electrification – Vessel charging system contract with Wabtec was signed and executed on November 21.
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>