HomeMy WebLinkAbout093024 email - WSF Monday MattersALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Major Milestone of the Week
WSF received three pre-qualification packages from shipbuilders interested in building WSF’s new hybrid/electric 160-vehicle auto ferries. We are excited Nichols Brothers Boat Builders
<https://www.nicholsboats.com/> in Freeland, WA, Eastern Shipbuilding Group <https://www.easternshipbuilding.com/> in Panama City, FL., and Philly Shipyard <https://www.phillyshipyard.com/>
in Philadelphia, PA, submitted packages. The next step in our extensive prequalification process will be to visit each of these shipyards. Work continues to finalize the vessel design
and then issuing the Invitation for Bid before the end of the year.
Spotlight
* Electrification: Leading the “charge.” <https://www.marinelog.com/news/electrification-leading-the-charge/> Marine Log – Global, including US, update on maritime electrification
* New rates will go into effect Tuesday set by the Washington State Transportation Commission to meet legislatively directed farebox recovery goals. It’s also the first day with no
peak season surcharge for vehicles, which will resume May 1, 2025. The state transportation budget requires state ferries to generate about $419 million in revenue by 2025. Ferry fares
are currently funding 57% of WSF’s operations and maintenance, while nearly 100% of capital costs (new vessels, vessel maintenance and preservation, and terminal upkeep) are funded
by Washington’s taxpayers. To find the new fares for routes, click here <https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/fares/> .
WSF Weekly Media Highlights
Focus on WA ferries’ greener future, while keeping today’s fleet moving The Seattle Times (PDF included)
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/focus-on-wa-ferries-greener-future-while-keeping-todays-fleet-moving/
Who will build WA’s electric ferries? Only one West Coast shipyard shows interest The Seattle Times (PDF included)
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/three-shipyards-show-interest-in-building-an-electric-ferry-but-only-one-is-in-state/
Ferry workers who rescue family off sinking boat receive Lifesaving Award KIRO 7
https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/ferry-workers-who-rescue-family-off-sinking-boat-receive-lifesaving-award/YTK4WBDBQRB63KMWMQVOMI2DGY/
Departmental News
Quality, Health, Safety, & Environment
WSF was recently invited to speak at the Sustainability Leaders Webinar Series <https://www.home.environment-analyst.com/sustainability-leader-webinars> , an online international panel
discussion exploring the challenges and opportunities in a net-zero transition. WSF discussed how the agency works with elected leaders to build strong coalitions that improve not only
the environment but also the economic and social well-being of the communities we serve. Additional speakers represented ConocoPhillips, National Highways UK, and the International
Olympic Committee.
External Relations
For the week of Sept. 23-29, our customer service team sent 127 rider alerts, received 2,326 customer calls, and fielded more than 150 written comments and emails related to reservations,
schedules, and fares.
Service Reliability
For the week of Sept. 23-29, we completed 98.5% of our 2,795 scheduled sailings. Of 47 cancellations, 34% (16) were due to vessels being out of service, 28% (13) 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), 17% (8) were for delays in service, 17% (8) were
due to fog, 2% (1) was due to an emergency, and 2% (1) was to provide additional service for another sailing. This is the first week since May there were no cancelled sailings due to
crewing.
Vessel Availability
We’re operating at our 15-vessel current service level, adding a 16th “bonus” boat seven days a week on the Fauntleroy/Southworth/Vashon “Triangle” route when crewing and vessel availability
allows.
Jumbo Mark II Conversions/New Vessels/Terminal Electrification
Hybrid Conversions – Upgrades to the Wenatchee propulsion system and installation of electric power equipment is expected to be completed and return to service in summer 2025. Significant
work has been completed to date to include removal of two propulsion diesel generators, installation of electric power conversion and distribution equipment, upgrades to obsolete propulsion
control equipment, reconfiguration of piping systems, and build-out of two new battery rooms. The Tacoma conversion will not happen until the Wenatchee returns to service. View a video
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkgT9Z8Z2RU> showing the progress to date.
New Vessels – The contracting process for new vessels continues and we’re in active discussions with industry about the terms of the Invitation for Bid we released. We’ve received three
pre-qualification packages from shipyards across the country. We are still scheduled to deliver two boats in 2028.
Terminal Electrification – WSF is in the process of planning and designing charging infrastructure at 16 of our ferry terminals. This effort begins with ensuring that each terminal will
be able to secure sufficient energy through collaboration with local utilities.
In May 2023, WSF began a partnership with Puget Sound Energy to add medium voltage ferry charging capabilities to eight additional terminals, starting with Bainbridge Island. WSF and
Seattle City Light signed a similar Memorandum of Understanding in September 2022 to provide power to Colman Dock.
WSF Community Engagement and Government Relations
WSF hosted a pair of virtual public meetings on September 24 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jq5BU4njm0> and 25 <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOsL8GExl_k> . WSF leadership presented
on the latest updates including electrification, workforce development, service restoration and terminal construction before the floor was opened to a public question-and-answer session.
A total of 301 people attended with 211 questions and comments submitted. Attendees joined from all routes with Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Mukilteo/Clinton users having the most
representation. WSF leaders answered a variety of questions on topics such as new vessels, crewing, budgeting, Wi-Fi on board, vehicle loading and trip reliability.