Ferries - 144-Car Ferries

Overview
WSF has a contract with Vigor Industrial's US Fab Division for design and construction of one or two 144-car ferries.

Why is WSDOT preparing to build new 144-car ferries?
WSF is moving forward to build new ferries to replace the 1954-era Evegreen State, which is the oldest of the Evergreen State Class of vessels. Nine of WSF’s 23 auto-passenger ferries are between 40 and 65 years old and must be replaced in the next 20 years. The new 144-car vessel design will be based on the Issaquah class, which has proved the most versatile vessel in our fleet and has the most utility throughout the system.

The End Result
Building new ferries will improve the safety and efficiency of WSF’s fleet and will allow us to put a ferry on standby so that we can maintain service in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Project Benefits
Benefits from the new ferries will cascade throughout the system as older vessels are replaced. Building new ferries provides the opportunity to:

• Increase passenger comfort with better heating and ventilation, more internal seating and flexible seating configurations.
• Nominally increase capacity at minimal additional cost. This allows us to prepare for future population growth or increased peak period ridership during the 60-year expected life span of the ferry.
• Improve vessel design with room for a few more cars and trucks, and wider lanes for more efficient loading and improved passenger access to vehicles
• Improve safety with new emergency evacuation systems, advanced fire suppression, and two elevators for better accessibility.
• Improved ADA access with two compliant ADA elevators, and wider stair towers with a more gradual slope.
• Minimize environmental impact with cleaner burning engines, low-emissions fuels, reduced risk of fuel spills, a hull design that reduces wake and quieter machinery.
• Reduce operating costs with better fuel efficiency.

What is the project timeline?

• December 2007 – WSF awarded design-build contract
• December 2008 - Todd and Martinac submitted technical proposal to WSF
• January 2010 - WSF and Todd signed agreement to begin detailed design drawings (This agreement is part of the December 2007 contract.)
• Spring 2011 - Legislature funded construction of one 144-car ferry.
• June 2011 - Detailed design for production drawings complete
• November 2011 - Price and schedule negotiations complete.
• Early 2012 - Construction begins on first ferry.
• Early 2014 - New 144-car ferry in service.

Financial Information

WSF has a total budget of $147 million for the 144-car ferry program. Cost of constructing the first 144-car ferry is $115 million and the total cost of the vessel is $147 million, which includes design, owner-furnished equipment, construction management, final outfitting, and contingencies. Currently there is no funding to replace the Klahowya and Tillikum, the two remaining vessels in the Evergreen State Class.

How can I get more information?
Contact:
Joy Goldenberg
WSF Communications
2901 3rd Ave., Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 515-3411
WSFnewvesselproject@wsdot.wa.gov

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