Ferry Safety Fixes Begin

by Jerry Cornfield
October 28, 2015

The state must tear out and replace soundproofing material on its two newest ferries because the U.S. Coast Guard is concerned it may cause excessive smoke and flames in the event of a fire.

Workers on Wednesday will begin removing the material from the Samish in accordance with a nationwide directive issued by the Coast Guard in September 2014. The process will be repeated on the Tokitae starting early next year, a Washington State Ferry spokesman said.

Vigor, the firm which built the Olympic Class 144-car ferries, will handle the projects and pick up the tab.

“There is no cost to taxpayers because it is covered under the terms of the construction contract,” said Ian Sterling, spokesman for Washington State Ferries.

This problem isn't exclusive to Washington State Ferries. Two research vessels in Washington also using the material must make changes.  Read more.