Washington State Ferries (WSF) has called off the sale of two of its retired vessels, the Elwha and Klahowya, after a disrupted attempt by purchaser Nelson Armas to move the ferries to Ecuador. According to WSF, the tow equipment malfunctioned in Puget Sound, necessitating the return of the boats to the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility on Bainbridge Island. In addition to the failed towing operation, it appears the current dealings have been marred by allegations of poor treatment towards the crew by Armas, which began circulating in the media.
Steve Nevey, WSF Assistant Secretary, emphasized that after returning the boats to WSF’s facility due to contractual and towing failures, it was critical to end the relationship with Armas. "It’s in the best interest of Washington state, the public, and WSF to sever ties due to multiple failures to meet contractual obligations and deadlines," said Nevey. Furthermore, Armas is losing the $200,000 deposit following the default on the agreement, with WSF reallocating the funds to the removal of fuel from the ferries and the Puget Sound Ferry Operations Account.
Upon the discovery of issues raised by the Wycliffe crew regarding intimidating conditions and substandard living arrangements, WSF was quick to address the situation despite the assertions of Armas denying these reports. Nevey, with a background in maritime work, found the welfare of seafarers personally important. "As a career mariner who spent the early part of my career working on internationally flagged ships, seafarer welfare is deeply personal to me," Nevey, who noted the importance of these considerations for the future handling of decommissioned ferries, said.
The sale setback has not dampened interest in the old ferries, with WSF already engaging with potential new buyers. The current fleet will benefit from the resultant increased dock space at the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility for essential maintenance, said by WSF, who also recognizes savings in staff costs every time the ferries have to be moved. The Elwha and Klahowya are part of a retired class of ferries that once were an integral part of Washington's maritime history, with Elwha retiring on April 8, 2020, and Klahowya stepping down on July 1, 2017.
Also pending is the sale of the third retired state ferry, Hyak. More details will be shared by WSF when the transaction is finalized. WSF, part of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is noted as the largest ferry system in the U.S., renowned for carrying millions annually amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. For updates on ferry service and tracking, WSF encouragers users to sign up for rider alerts and check their real-time map online.
