PORT TOWNSEND — The MV Steilacoom II is expected to be in Port Townsend waters on Monday, a Washington State Ferries official said Wednesday.
But it won’t be providing car ferry service until at least a week later, after the crew has trained on the Port Townsend-Keystone route, said Marta Coursey, communications director, in a written statement.
The state ferries system is leasing the 50-car vessel from Pierce County.
Crew familiarization and training operations on the route is expected to begin on Monday.
“During this time, crews will gain experience operating the vessel, familiarize themselves with vessel equipment and perform routine safety drills,” Coursey said in the written statement.
“Local residents will see the vessel landing at the terminals, and maneuvering in and out of Keystone Harbor.”
Training is expected to last one week, with vehicle ferry service to resume in early February.
“An exact service date will be announced once training begins,” Coursey said.
When the Steilacoom II arrives in Port Townsend, passenger-only service between Port Townsend and Keystone will be provided by Puget Sound Express out of Hudson Point Marina at 227 Jackson St., a half mile north of the Port Townsend ferry dock.
Now, the passenger ferry service is provided by the Snohomish, a state-owned ferry.
But once the Steilacoom II arrives, there will be no room at the Port Townsend terminal to accommodate the Snohomish.
The Klickitat, one of the four 80-year-old Steel Electric car ferries that were retired from service in November, is moored in one slip, and the other slip will be used by the Steilacoom II, which will be moored there at night.
The schedule for the passenger-only runs will remain the same.
Customers currently parking at the Port Townsend terminal are encouraged to move their vehicles to Point Hudson Marina by Monday, Coursey said.
For ferry schedules and updates, phone 888-808-7977 or check www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.
