The Associated Press
SEATTLE — The Washington state Department of Transportation says it has discovered excessive vibrations in the driveline of the state’s newest ferry, which is destined for the Port Townsend-Coupeville route, during sea trials.
The department said today that engineers will work with Todd Pacific Shipyards to pinpoint the cause of the vibrations of the ferry Chetzemoka.
Chetzemoka, a 64-vehicle vessel, is scheduled to serve the Port Townsend-Coupeville route sometime this year.
The new ferry passed other tests during sea trials, including steering, propulsion systems and navigation equipment.
Excessive vibration could cause operational limitations or shorten the lifespan of key driveline components, Transportation said in a prepared statement.
