SEATTLE — The newest state ferry, Chimacum, joined the state fleet Friday and will carry ferry riders on the Seattle-Bremerton route this summer after crews complete vessel outfitting, operational training and drills.
Washington State Ferries officially accepted the $123 million vessel from builder/contractor Vigor on Friday.
“It’s a big deal,” said Ian Sterling, a communications officer for Washington State Ferries. “We’ve had a few new ferries lately, but it’s been quite some time since our fleet got upgraded. This is a big deal for people who travel or commute by ferry.”
Christened Chimacum, the new ferry’s name honors the Chemakum Tribe’s gathering place, which is now the present-day town of Chimacum near Port Townsend.
“We’re excited to welcome the Chimacum to our fleet,” said Washington State Ferries Assistant Secretary Amy Scarton. “This new vessel replaces the 59-year-old Klahowya and allows us to continue providing safe and reliable service for the 2.7 million customers who use the Seattle-Bremerton route each year.”
Chimacum, like its sister vessels Tokitae and Samish, has room for 144 cars and 1,500 passengers.
The Chimacum is the third Olympic Class ferry. The fourth 144-car vessel, Suquamish, is now under construction at Vigor’s Harbor Island shipyard in Seattle.
According to Sterling, Washington State Ferries hope to have the Chimacum up and running in time for the summer season, specifically before the Fourth of July holiday.
The Chimacum will be replacing the Hyak on the Bremerton-Seattle route. The older Hyak will be kept on as a backup ferry should one of the other two ferries on that route need any repairs.
