Report from Moseley: New Ferry Has the Shakes
Inaugural sailing of Chetzemoka postponed; new sea trials set
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division Assistant Secretary David Moseley reported on Aug. 6:
The Aug. 29 inaugural sailing of the new Chetzemoka ferry is being postponed as additional sea trials are conducted this week regarding excessive vibration. A new date for the first sailing between Port Townsend and Keystone has not been set. I am looking forward to getting the boat in service and the celebration event just as much as the communities served on this route, but our first priority is to have a safe and fully operational vessel.
Sea trials are took place this week to collect data on maneuvering characteristics and corresponding stopping distances. The goal is to determine if operational limitations will allow the vessel to be put into service sooner while longer-term work continues on the vibration issues. I’m confident we will isolate the problem soon and find a remedy as quickly as possible. A new date for the inaugural sailing will be set as soon as possible.
