WSF launches fourth new Olympic Class ferry

Washington State Ferries (WSF) will launch the construction of its fourth new Olympic Class ferry, which is receiving funds from the Connecting Washington package for transportation finances, in Jan.

Officials from the WSF recently signed a Notice to Proceed agreement with Vigor Industrial, a shipbuilder company. The agreement is for the shipbuilder’s construction on the ferry, which is designed to carry 144 vehicles.

This new ferry will replace one of the state’s four oldest ferries that were originally built in the 1950s and 1960s. It is important to add new ferries to the fleet to keep travelers safe.

“Our top priority is keeping the ferry system safe and reliable for the millions of commuters, freight haulers and travelers who depend on us every year,” Elizabeth Kosa, WSF chief of staff, said. “Thanks to state lawmakers and critical funds from Connecting Washington, we are able to meet some of the ferry system’s most urgent needs, including building this new ferry.”

The ferry is included in a $122 million budget. It should be completed by the middle of 2018. The name of the ferry has not yet been chosen; the Washington State Transportation Commission is currently choosing the name.

The new construction project for this ferry will generate approximately 500 jobs for the shipyard and for local contractors, improving the local as well as national economy.