You may remember previous reports here of the troubles at Washington State Ferries, based in one of the most affluent states in the USA.
A third of the fleet out of service, missed doctor appointments, hours-long delays, students unable to get to school and flooded car decks look like continuing as Washington State Ferries delays new electric ferries and now they may bring aging old diesels back into service.
From the Kitsap Sun today:
Washington State Ferries is taking a hard look at a pitch from a shipyard owner to refurbish two of the state’s deteriorated retired ferries and return them to service under a long-term lease.
The novel idea is bound to intrigue ferry riders who have endured a rash of trip cancellations to begin this year, caused by vessel breakdowns and the absence of any reserve ferryboats. But the sorry condition of the decommissioned ferries brings a raft of uncertainties, both practical and financial.
Stabbert wants to acquire the retired 144-car ferry Hyak as well as the 87-car ferry Klahowya. The owner of shipyards in Seattle and Anacortes would refurbish those diesel ferries on its own dime and then recoup its investment by leasing the vessels back to the ferry system for perhaps 15 years.
Remind us, how old are these boats? The Hyak is already 59 and the Klahowya is 68! Imagine this idea came from Scotland?
CalMac? None over 50.
Talking-up Scotland 'Albatraz' 