Shipyard pitches bringing back retired state ferries to bolster strained service

By: Tom Banse

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: January 22, 2026

Words: 1,316

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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Washington State Ferries is taking a hard look at a pitch from a shipyard owner to refurbish two of the state’s deteriorated retired ferries and return them to service under a long-term lease.

The novel idea is bound to intrigue ferry riders who have endured a rash of trip cancellations to begin this year, caused by vessel breakdowns and the absence of any reserve ferryboats. But the sorry condition of the decommissioned ferries brings …

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