Weekly update

Read the weekly update from WSDOT Deputy Secretary Steve Nevey, head of Washington State Ferries.

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Here is the latest edition of the WSF Weekly Update:

Feb. 5, 2026

A message from Steve

This week brought another reminder of how fragile our ferry system is. We simply don’t have enough vessels available to cover unexpected issues. Tuesday night, Kitsap had to be removed from service because of an engine issue. That left our Mukilteo/Clinton route with only one boat yesterday and this morning. In a timely coincidence, Walla Walla was cleared for service late yesterday following successful sea trials, allowing that ferry to replace Chimacum this morning as our Seattle/Bremerton route’s single vessel. We then moved Chimacum to replace Sealth as the #3 boat at Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth, so Sealth can join Tokitae at Mukilteo/Clinton this afternoon.

Large white ferry with dark green hull on a body of water, with a wooded hillside in the background. — Kitsap moved to our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility yesterday so our employees can fix an engine issue.

As we have done the past several weeks, tomorrow night we’ll move our “Triangle” route’s #3 boat, which does not run on winter weekends. That allows Chimacum to serve alongside Walla Walla to provide two-boat service at Seattle/Bremerton Saturday and most of Sunday. Walla Walla must then go in for scheduled maintenance and required inspection on Monday. With Chimacum remaining at Seattle/Bremerton as the route’s single ferry after the weekend, Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth will be on its two-boat weekday schedule next week. We expect Salish to return from its maintenance and inspection period next week and when it does, we will send it to the “Triangle” to serve as the unscheduled, bonus boat.

We should know more in the coming days about how long repairs to Kitsap will take. Our service plan for Monday and beyond may adjust depending on vessel availability. To stay informed about any service changes, sign up for our rider alerts.

WSF featured in WorkBoat magazine

WorkBoat magazine recently interviewed me about how we operate the nation’s largest ferry system. The article gives an honest look at both our challenges and our progress. Our biggest concern right now is our fleet. Many of our ferries are aging and we do not have enough vessels. Until we start adding new ferries around 2030, any unexpected breakdown can disrupt service across our system. At the same time, we are improving how we care for the boats we have. We are doing this through better planning, stronger maintenance and smarter use of limited resources. The article also highlights our forward momentum. This includes our efforts to modernize our fleet with new hybrid-electric ferries and terminal charging stations. These are key investments that will reduce emissions, improve reliability and create a more resilient system for the future.

Three people smiling in a ferry's pilothouse, surrounded by control panels and windows. — The article also explains how we invested in our employees to strengthen our system. By supporting entry-level vessel crew members to move into licensed positions, we improved staffing and boosted reliability. Here are (from left to right) Second Mate Trainees Sam Springob and Amber Vernon with their instructor, Capt. Jeff Reeves, during a fleet visit as part of New Mate Orientation and Officer Readiness & Core Assessment training. Ten of our deckhands are visiting vessels with instructors this week to practice skills learned in the simulator lab and apply them on board in an active operating environment.

Making the most of service suspensions on our Mukilteo/Clinton route

Safety guides every decision we make. That focus guided how we handled service suspensions on our Mukilteo/Clinton route while construction crews make critical repairs to an in-water structure at our Mukilteo terminal. To make use of the downtime during the closures, we are offering valuable training for our employees and partner agencies. These efforts include coordinated maritime security and emergency response exercises with law enforcement. During these exercises, officers practice safely approaching and boarding a vessel while underway, strengthening coordination and familiarity with our fleet and operating environment. We are also using the service suspensions to support workforce development. Licensed deck officers are taking part in pilotage training. This helps them earn the Terminal Port Everett endorsement on their Merchant Mariner Credential. There will be two more weekdays with midday service suspensions on Friday, Feb. 6, and Monday, Feb. 9. Construction will wrap up after that ahead of schedule, so the late-night cancellations planned for Monday through Friday, Feb. 16-20, have been canceled.

U.S. Coast Guard officer watching patrol boats on the water from a ferry under an overcast sky. — U.S. Coast Guard and law enforcement vessels respond to Tokitae while it is underway during a maritime security exercise on the Mukilteo/Clinton route Tuesday. The drill focused on safe ways to approach a vessel. Officers also practiced boarding over the rail. The exercise gave our employees and partner agencies hands-on training while service was suspended for terminal repairs. Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard.

Reminder: Spring vehicle reservations open at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10

We’re five days out from our vehicle reservations release for our spring sailing schedule (March 22 to June 13). Starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, customers can save a spot for travel on our Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend/Coupeville routes. To keep the website from getting overloaded, we’ll use a virtual waiting room, just like in past seasonal releases. If you are sent to the waiting room, you’ll see your place in line, the estimated wait time and an option to get a notification when it’s your turn to book.

Aerial view of two ferries sailing on clear blue waters between forested islands. — Spring sailing times on our Anacortes/San Juan Islands route will stay the same as fall and winter. We have switched to a single, nine-month “off-peak” schedule. This change comes from community feedback and with support from the governor and Legislature. Photo courtesy Greg Bell.

A large ferry with a green and white hull inside Keystone Harbor approaching Coupeville terminal. — Starting Sunday, May 10, our Port Townsend/Coupeville route schedule will increase to two-boat service Fridays through Mondays, which is the same as July 4 to Sept. 29 last year. Beginning Sunday, June 14, the second boat will run daily through Monday, Oct. 12.

SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge weekday delays Feb. 23-27

An early heads up for our Seattle/Bainbridge route riders: plan for extra travel time weekdays in late February if you use the State Route 305 Agate Pass Bridge. On Monday, Feb. 23, through Friday, Feb. 27, the bridge will be reduced to one alternating lane of traffic from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day for annual bridge maintenance work. Travelers can expect 30-minute delays, if not more. Consider traveling early or late in the day or reschedule discretionary trips. Other alternatives include taking the Bremerton or Kingston ferries.

A large green steel bridge spans a calm river, with a construction vehicle on it extending an arm down. — One-way traffic will alternate across the SR 305 Agate Pass Bridge during daytime bridge cleaning work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily Feb. 23-27.

12 Flag to fly on ferries Feb. 6-8

Congratulations to the Seattle Seahawks for making it to Super Bowl LX. To show our support, we will fly the 12 Flag on all our ferries serving Seattle’s Colman Dock before the big game. You might also see the 12 Flag on vessels across our system during these three days as our workforce celebrates this exciting moment with our customers. We’ve also invited our employees to show their team spirit by wearing Seahawks gear during these days too. The Seahawks play the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon. Go Hawks!

Close-up of a ferry's mast displaying an American flag and blue "12" flag. Seattle skyline with Space Needle in the background. — Look for the Seahawks 12 Flag tomorrow through Sunday, Feb. 6-8, on our Bainbridge and Bremerton routes.

Sailing stats

We’re unable to share our weekly sailing statistics this week after identifying discrepancies in the underlying data, including an incorrect number of scheduled sailings. We’re working to correct the issue and will resume reporting as soon as we can confidently share accurate information.

Customer kudos

“I would like to (compliment) you on one of your staff members. As I was getting on the 3 PM ferry leaving Mukilteo today, Sunday, January 11th I was pulled out of line because one of your loading personnel noticed that my tire was flat. After the ferry left, she changed the tire for me and put on the spare. Her name was Bailey (Ticket Taker Baylee Lane). She did it quickly and skillfully. I am 78 years old and appreciated her help more than I can say. Thank you!”

-Mukilteo/Clinton route customer

Steve Nevey
WSDOT Deputy Secretary for Washington State Ferries

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Drive safe in winter weather

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.