Washington State Ferries (WSF) is operating reduced service this week on two of its Puget Sound routes as the system works through mechanical issues affecting the Walla Walla and Tacoma.
Both the Seattle–Bremerton and Seattle–Bainbridge Island routes shifted to single-boat operation on Monday as commuters returned after the holiday weekend. On Jan. 2, WSF said the Walla Walla requires drydocking after losing a propeller blade, while the Tacoma has been sidelined by an oil system problem tied to high shaft bearing temperatures.
“Yesterday, we discovered damage to a propeller on the Walla Walla, one of two vessels on our Seattle/Bremerton route,” the company announced on Facebook. “During our initial investigation, it was discovered that one of the blades on the 57-year-old propeller sheared off.“
According to an alert posted Jan. 4, WSF reported, “The Seattle-Bremerton and Seattle-Bainbridge routes will be on one-boat service for Monday, January 5, while vessel repairs are underway for the Walla Walla and the Tacoma.”
For Bremerton, the Chimacum is handling sailings, while the Wenatchee is covering the Bainbridge route.
The 57-year-old Jumbo-class ferry Walla Walla is expected to enter drydock at Everett Ship Repair as early as Wednesday, Jan. 7. WSF said repair work should take two to three weeks, with the vessel expected to return to service by the end of January.
Divers will begin work Thursday on the Tacoma, addressing what the agency described as “the Tacoma’s oil tube issue that resulted in high shaft bearing temperatures,” with repairs projected to wrap up by early next week.
WSF added, “Updates for vessel assignments and service plans will be provided as more information becomes available. We appreciate your patience as we work to restore full service to both routes.”
Earlier this weekend, WSF also reported a separate vessel maintenance issue on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route, stating, “The #1 vessel, Kittitas, is out of service due to necessary vessel maintenance. The route will be on two-boat service until further notice. Early morning, Friday, Jan. 2, we discovered damage to an oil seal in the vessel engine room. We expect repairs to be completed early the week of Jan. 5.”
The agency has advised riders to monitor the schedule and real-time vessel tracking tools for updates.
