EDMONDS– The Edmonds-Kingston ferry route is set to run on one-boat service until at least December, the state ferry system announced Thursday.

The Edmonds route has been running with one boat since Saturday. The M/V Issaquah moved to replace the sole boat on the Seattle-Bremerton route after it suffered “significant engine failure,” according to Washington State Ferries.

Only 14 of 21 vessels are currently available to run the regular 15-boat schedule across the state ferry system. The shortage is a result of five vessels out on planned maintenance, and two needing unexpected repairs.

The schedule change has resulted in waits of up to two or three hours during peak times, state ferries spokesperson Justin Fujioka said.

Riders in cars are affected most by these delays. There are typically no wait times for pedestrians and bicyclists, Fujioka noted.

December is when the state ferry system estimates a vessel will be ready to replace the second boat on the Edmonds-Kingston route, but there isn’t a concrete timeline, Fujioka said.

“We understand that this is frustrating news,” according to a state ferries statement Thursday. “Please understand that we are working hard on options to avoid further service disruptions.”

Ashley Nash: 425-339-3037; ashley.nash@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @ash_nash00.