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Post by SS San Mateo on Aug 7, 2009 18:06:59 GMT -8
WSDOT seeks bids for up to three more new ferriesDate: Friday, August 07, 2009 www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2009/08/7_wsdot-seeks-bids-for-ferries.htmContact: Marta Coursey, Director of Communications, 206-515-3918 SEATTLE – The plan to improve Washington’s ferry fleet takes another step forward with the advertisement today, Aug. 7, of a contract to build at least two new 64-car ferries. The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Ferries Division (WSF) is building four new ferries in the next five years to replace its aging fleet. Nine of WSF’s 20 auto-passenger ferries are between 40 and 60 years old and must be replaced in the next 20 years. The last new Washington State Ferry was put into service in 1999. The state recently sold four 82-year-old Steel Electric class ferries after they were removed from service for safety reasons. “Going to ad for these new vessels is a significant step toward updating our fleet and providing our customers a long-term, sustainable ferry system,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “In addition, the investment in our ferry system is also an investment in jobs – for the state’s shipbuilding industry and for the local economies that depend on reliable ferry service. We have worked closely with the legislature, ferry-served communities, business leaders and elected officials to get to the point where we could say the ferry system’s future is looking brighter.” “This is a big step in solving the problem and restoring full ferry service for both Coupeville and Port Townsend. We ferry riders have been waiting for this day for a long time,” said Senate Transportation Committee Chairwoman Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island. “We’re happy to report that we’re making progress. Construction is well underway on the first new 64-car ferry,” said David Moseley, Assistant Secretary for WSF. WSF awarded a $65.5 million contract to Todd Pacific Shipyards in December 2008 to build one 64-car ferry, which is scheduled to be delivered in summer 2010. The Port Townsend/Keystone route is currently being served by the Steilacoom II leased from Pierce County. The 2009 Transportation Budget provided $114.8 million for construction of 64-car ferries in the 2009-2011 biennium, and $69.4 million in the 2011-2013 biennium. WSF will pursue a contract for the second and third 64-car ferries with an option to purchase a fourth 64-car ferry. However, if sufficient resources are available to build one 144-car ferry prior to exercising the option to build the fourth 64-car ferry, WSF will pursue procurement of a 144-car ferry instead of a fourth 64-car ferry. The bid package was posted on WSF’s contracts Web site on Friday, August 7. WSF will open bids on the additional 64-car ferries contract this fall.
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Post by Freeland on Aug 13, 2009 6:11:45 GMT -8
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Kam
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Post by Kam on Aug 21, 2009 11:14:58 GMT -8
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 1, 2009 18:04:43 GMT -8
Well, it's time for this thread to be updated. The hull is taking shape extremely well. WSF has released more construction photos. Building jig WSF picture taken on August 25, 2009 Building jig (device that holds the hull during construction) for number one end construction of WSDOT's new 64-car ferry, under construction at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. Lifting side shell assembly WSF picture taken on August 26, 2009 Lifting 21-ton side shell assembly for WSDOT's new 64-car ferry, under construction at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. Placing side shell assembly WSF picture taken on August 26, 2009 Lifting starboard side shell assembly into place for WSDOT's new 64-car ferry, under construction at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. Side shell assembly installed WSF picture taken on August 27, 2009 First starboard side shell assembly installed for WSDOT's new 64-car ferry, under construction at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. More pictures are at: www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/sets/72157621006556309/*** *** *** *** *** *** Meanwhile, up at Freeland, we see one of the wheelhouses taking shape at Nichols.  Picture taken by Roy Jacobson of The South Whidbey Record, August 10, 2009 Please read this related news story: www.pnwlocalnews.com/whidbey/swr/news/52991607.html |
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Post by Barnacle on Sept 2, 2009 7:42:16 GMT -8
She'll be a bit different than the others in the fleet and much better for the crew to operate. I think that's a bit presumptuous... ;D Better in what way? That's a pretty subjective statement. Or at least you... ;D Given that the crews' quarters, pilothouses et al are on that upper deck, you might be mistaken in assuming those are going to be passenger-accessible spaces. I realize the "sun deck" is open to the public on the Island Home, but this isn't the Island Home and it isn't going to be run by the same outfit. That deck might be a secure area. Well, yes. We'll actually have a boat. But many things happen between the public drawing release and the final construction of the vessel, so if you'll pardon I'll refrain from being enthusiastic about it until I actually set foot on it and have a look around. Once I do that, I'll see if I like it or if I'm going to be furious that we're being saddled with as many as four of these boats. I still think the bicycle 'lounge' is a huge waste, BTW, at least on the Keystone run. In my few days working at Tahlequah I can't recall ever seeing more than two bikes at a time there, either.
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Post by Kahloke on Sept 2, 2009 8:08:31 GMT -8
If all goes according to schedule, and the vessel is ready for sea trials by August, how long will it be before it enters service? - start of the Fall, 2010 schedule, perhaps?
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 2, 2009 12:36:39 GMT -8
Many thanks for the update Mr. Ferrynut. Kinda reminds me of somewhere. (Snif)  Hope you're going to hang around there with your camera when sea trials begin  Now, that will be a sight to behold! As for the Peninsula Daily News report, the photo of the wheelhouses is neat. We are blessed in having this much coverage of the building of the MV ISLAND HOME's western sister. Not too much coverage was offered when the IH was built. WSF's photo page of the hull taking shape is excellent and is updated when appropriate. Interesting to note is that a Tacoma company is doing bow parts. It will be neat to see all of these components come together. Keep up the good work, hard hatters! |
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Post by Freeland on Sept 3, 2009 14:27:01 GMT -8
Nichol Brothers received a shipment of parts for the New Ferry via a Barge. I happen to be there and took some pictures of it coming into Holmes Harbor. I talked to one of the employees who is from Austrailia. He worked on the Island Home down in New Orleans. It was interesting to talk to him. Hopefully I have the correct address for the Kodak Gallery.....Emory in Freeland www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?collid=838995878210&UV=361931145078_708035878210 |
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Post by DENelson83 on Sept 3, 2009 18:58:45 GMT -8
So, has WSF officially announced the names for these new Island Home class vessels?
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 3, 2009 20:46:12 GMT -8
So, has WSF officially announced the names for these new Island Home class vessels? Greetings, Mr. Nelson! Good to see you on this side of the forum. I guess that they may be named after we turn the page to 2010. We'll see what's in store, soon.  Nice to communicate with you, Mr. Nelson! |
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Post by Barnacle on Sept 4, 2009 7:22:19 GMT -8
The name QUILLAYUTE would be in recognition to the former one having the widest wheelhouse of her size here in these parts of western North America's waterways. I sincerely doubt that would be a factor. That is a level of minutiae well beyond what anyone outside this board would know or care. You might as well say that they were going to name it PACIFIC PRINCESS because they were both painted white. |
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Post by whidbeyislandguy on Sept 4, 2009 9:40:12 GMT -8
The name QUILLAYUTE would be in recognition to the former one having the widest wheelhouse of her size here in these parts of western North America's waterways. I sincerely doubt that would be a factor. That is a level of minutiae well beyond what anyone outside this board would know or care. You might as well say that they were going to name it PACIFIC PRINCESS because they were both painted white. LMAO!! ;D ;D I couldn't agree with you more about the reasoning there Barnacle! While I completely agree that it would be nice to have Q-boat in the fleet I am not holding my breath. But we will just have to see what the "Casino Class" names will be.  |
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Post by lmtengs on Sept 4, 2009 11:33:43 GMT -8
I sincerely doubt that would be a factor. That is a level of minutiae well beyond what anyone outside this board would know or care. You might as well say that they were going to name it PACIFIC PRINCESS because they were both painted white. LMAO!! ;D ;D I couldn't agree with you more about the reasoning there Barnacle! While I completely agree that it would be nice to have Q-boat in the fleet I am not holding my breath. But we will just have to see what the "Casino Class" names will be. MV Tulalip and MV Muckleshoot? |
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Post by Northern Exploration on Sept 6, 2009 6:52:46 GMT -8
And this confirmation just appeared in the San Juan Islander... WSDOT considering selling naming rights to ferries
posted 09/04/2009
The Starbucks is running 30 minutes late and the Nordstom is loading for the international sailing. Ferry riders could be hearing something similar in the future. Washington State Ferries is investigating selling naming rights to individual ferries as one way of raising revenue through advertising WSF Planning Director Ray Deardorf said. The subject came up during the Aug. 31 meeting aboard the inter island ferry.PS If you'd like to register your displeasure with the idea, you can email Mr. Moseley at: MOSELED@wsdot.wa.gov Now if the MV Starbucks had free coffee and the MV Ivars had free Clam Chowder, I might be swung in favor of these names.  If ferry sponsorship is anything like sponsorship of theatres and stadiums though it could get very confusing. The Pantages Theatre (historic name) morphed into the Canon, into the Nokia in a very short short time. The Okeefe (for years and years) turned into the Humingbird, into the Sony. The Skydome is now the Rogers, and so on and so on. One day you may be on the MV Sees Chocolate and find yourself on the Columbia Sportswear the next day. Geeks will go crazy with their record keeping. |
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Post by Barnacle on Sept 6, 2009 8:06:13 GMT -8
And then there's the potential expectations of maintenance... "Memo from Starbucks to Washington State Ferries: We did not pay $3 million ten years ago to allow our sponsored vessel to appear in its current disreputable state; we insist that, as sponsors, we have a right to a freshly painted vessel. Please rectify this at once or you shall hear from our legal department."
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 6, 2009 15:44:47 GMT -8
 NB Webcam www2.whidbey.net/nichols/image003.jpgThis may be the first webcam capture of this project. It was captured Friday, September 4, 2009. The item of interest is that flat piece. This should be part of the new ferry. |
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 14, 2009 17:31:50 GMT -8
MONDAY SEP 14 2009 Here are some progress captures from the Nichols web cam.  Thursday morning. The flat is ready for some parts.  Thursday afternoon. Some vertical pieces are now installed.  Today. Taking shape. |
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 17, 2009 18:35:38 GMT -8
THURSDAY SEP 17 2009 WSF has released seven new photos. The hull is taking shape well. I'll present two of these seven photos. The rest can be seen at: www.flickr.com/photos/wsdot/sets/72157621006556309/No. 1 end and mid ship WSF photo taken on September 2, 2009. Number one end and mid ship of WSDOT's new 64-car ferry, under construction at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. Lifting side shell assembly WSF photo taken on September 9, 2009. Lifting 26-ton side shell assembly into place for WSDOT's new 64-car ferry, under construction at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle.We now take a trip up to Freeland and see this:  More inner core work on that flat is being done. |
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Post by DENelson83 on Sept 18, 2009 21:27:03 GMT -8
Well, so far, she's turning out pretty fine.
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 23, 2009 17:33:04 GMT -8
Time for another photo update. Nichols has done quite a lot of work on their contribution.  Tonight, we see the siding put up on that module and part of the Sun Deck laid as well. Too early to order snacks from the galley, yet! ;D Meanwhile, WSF released four new photos on the 21st day of September. I'll present just one of these this time. The others has one of a welder doing his work on a hull piece, one of the engine, and one of pipe work. Hull construction WSF photo taken on September 16, 2009. Keel box laid for No. 2 end of WSDOT's new 64-car ferry, under construction at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. |
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Post by DENelson83 on Sept 25, 2009 12:59:18 GMT -8
Looks like they got a railhead right at Nichols, just like at FSG.
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Post by whidbeyislandguy on Sept 25, 2009 13:39:44 GMT -8
Looks like they got a railhead right at Nichols, just like at FSG. Nope.. I assure you they don't.. |
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Sept 26, 2009 11:15:29 GMT -8
WSF has released more photos on this project. They are of dignitaries visiting Todd, though. So, I won't get into those. Meanwhile, up at Freeland, more is done on that module of theirs.  I just got back this morning from my Empire Builder trip to Spokane and back. These were the inaugural trips having stops at Leavenworth. Beautiful trip! The folks in Leavenworth are really wonderful. In the act, I captured some of Everett's contributions from my Superliner seat. These are parts of the Main Deck superstructure waiting on the dock for their trip to Todd for mating onto the hull.  09-25-2009  09-26-2009 |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Sept 27, 2009 7:19:55 GMT -8
Does the originator of this thread want to go back and edit the first-post, to change the thread-title to something more accurate? (I recall changing a BC thread from "open house" to "open ship" at someone's request....  ). Just change the subject line in post #1, and then it will be re-set for all future posts. But you still have to determine what the new class name should be, which I suppose is our own forum's working title (which might be a fluid thing). |
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Post by Kahloke on Sept 29, 2009 9:06:16 GMT -8
Contract for 2 more Washington State Ferries is pursuing a contract for two additional 64-car ferries with an option to purchase a fourth 64-car ferry. The ferry system will pursue procurement of a 144-car ferry instead of a fourth 64-car ferry if sufficient funding is available. All I can say is, we had better find additional funding for that 144-car vessel. As has been discussed before, a fourth 64-car vessel won't be particularly useful. A group of Port Townsend residents, spearheaded by the Jefferson County Historical Society, is advocating naming the new ferry after Chetzemoka, the S'Klallam chief who signed the 1855 Point No Point Treaty. I know several of us have commented on how nice it would be to resurrect the name Chetzemoka for one of the new ferries. It's good to see other groups are thinking the same thing. However, I'm not holding my breath. |
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If ferry sponsorship is anything like sponsorship of theatres and stadiums though it could get very confusing. The Pantages Theatre (historic name) morphed into the Canon, into the Nokia in a very short short time. The Okeefe (for years and years) turned into the Humingbird, into the Sony. The Skydome is now the Rogers, and so on and so on. One day you may be on the MV Sees Chocolate and find yourself on the Columbia Sportswear the next day. Geeks will go crazy with their record keeping.
).