How our ferry system is tackling issues while building for a stronger future

 By Bryn Hunter

We hear all kinds of feedback from our ferry riders, from “I love the ferries” to frustration from folks waiting after a canceled sailing. It’s easy to focus on the day-to-day, but what’s the real story? How are our ferries really doing?

There’s good news, and we’ll call it, hard news.

The hard news is it will take some time before we’re back to how things were before the pandemic. Our first new vessels won’t arrive until 2028. Until then, we’ll keep working to trial and restore the three routes still on reduced service, but that will take time.

The good news is we’re working hard to get better and make our system stronger for the future.

WSF employees work to always be ready for emergencies, which includes practicing firefighting.

Culture change

We’re making our work culture better by building on what’s good and creating a more supportive, team-friendly environment. Everyone must feel valued as that is a key to retaining the staff we need for the future. That means all employees follow five main values: serve, grow, trust, respect and navigate. By living these values, we aim to improve customer service, build a more positive work environment, boost performance, and reach our goals while encouraging new ideas and ongoing improvement.

Workforce development

Thanks to a lot of hard work, new ideas, and money from the Legislature, our crew shortage is getting better. It will take time to fully fix, but we have pipelines in place to recruit, hire and train qualified mates and captains, our biggest crewing challenge over the past few years. Right now, we have 187 licensed deck officers, with a goal of reaching 200. This is a big win, especially with the worldwide shortage of mariners.

Now we’re focusing on building up our engine room team in the same way. We have 180 licensed engine room employees but need 200. We’re hiring more oilers and wipers to train them to become future assistant and chief engineers, and we are working on supporting additional training to help prepare those folks to be successful. These skilled workers are crucial for keeping our boats running, especially our older ones, with the help from our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility staff.

Oiler Sean Morgan performs repairs to the engine on board Chelan.

New ferries

This summer, we signed a contract with ABB to help build the propulsion systems for our first five hybrid-electric ferries. We’re also talking with other companies about constructing the other components of these boats. Again, we expect the first two to arrive in 2028. Meanwhile, the first of our three Jumbo Mark II ferries is getting its long-planned propulsion upgrade and hybrid conversion.

So, the next time you ride one of our ferries, know you’re supporting our big comeback. We’re like the Seattle Mariners, working hard today to build the dream of tomorrow. Maybe give a ferry worker a high five. We’re facing challenges together and sailing as a team. Together, we’re building a better ferry system for the future while doing our best to serve Washington state today.