Published: Tuesday, July 20, 2010
State's newest ferry begins test runs
EVERETT -- The state's newest ferry slipped out of the Everett Shipyard at 7:30 this morning with help from a tugboat.
By 8:15 a.m., the Chetzemoka dropped the towline and started chugging over the dark gray water under the power of its own engines for the first time.
"It's a big moment to see it come under power and take on a life," said Tom Perrine, senior director of new construction for Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp. of Seattle.
Todd Pacific Shipyards was showing officials from Washington State Ferries and the Coast Guard how to operate the boat. The new vessel will replace one of the rusting 80-year-old Steel Electric ferries that were taken out of service in 2007 amid safety concerns.
The Chetzemoka, a 64-car ferry, will undergo three days of 12-hour sea tests before the state takes possession.
Officials plan to put the boat on its inaugural run Aug. 29 between Whidbey Island and Port Townsend.
By 8:15 a.m., the Chetzemoka dropped the towline and started chugging over the dark gray water under the power of its own engines for the first time.
"It's a big moment to see it come under power and take on a life," said Tom Perrine, senior director of new construction for Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp. of Seattle.
Todd Pacific Shipyards was showing officials from Washington State Ferries and the Coast Guard how to operate the boat. The new vessel will replace one of the rusting 80-year-old Steel Electric ferries that were taken out of service in 2007 amid safety concerns.
The Chetzemoka, a 64-car ferry, will undergo three days of 12-hour sea tests before the state takes possession.
Officials plan to put the boat on its inaugural run Aug. 29 between Whidbey Island and Port Townsend.
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