MV Chetzemoka Ferry Service Overview and News

The MV Chetzemoka ferry service is a vital transportation link between Washington and British Columbia. It's a 4-hour journey that offers stunning views of the surrounding waters.

The ferry travels from Anacortes to Sidney, with a total of 2 sailings per day. This frequency allows passengers to plan their trips with ease.

The MV Chetzemoka is a reliable and efficient way to travel, with a strong reputation for getting passengers to their destination on time. It's a popular choice for both locals and tourists alike.

Curious to learn more? Check out: MS Nordic Ferry

The MV Chetzemoka has been back on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route after being sidelined due to rudder problems. The ferry was cleared to sail on Sunday morning.

The Chetzemoka was initially pulled from the route on Sunday, missing its 10:15 a.m. sailing and several others. The ferry was put into service earlier than usual to replace the Kennewick, which also had rudder issues.

The Kennewick will be out of service for repairs until mid-July, and the ferry system is investigating why the rudder parts are wearing out earlier than expected. The problem is not difficult to repair, but getting access to dry dock space is the main issue.

New reservations for the Port Townsend-Coupeville route are temporarily unavailable due to the service disruption. Current reservation holders will continue to be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Chetzemoka is a new 64-car ferry that will make its inaugural sailing between Keystone and Port Townsend on Sunday, August 29.

Chetzemoka was a steamship that played a significant role in the history of transportation in the Pacific Northwest.

The ship was named after a Native American word that means "long mountain" or "far mountain".

Chetzemoka was built in 1887 by the San Francisco Shipbuilding Company and was initially used for passenger and cargo transportation between Seattle and Port Townsend.

It measured 242 feet in length and had a gross tonnage of 1,255 tons.

The Chetzemoka was known for its speed, reaching speeds of up to 16 knots.

It underwent several renovations and upgrades throughout its operational years, including the addition of a new sternwheel in 1894.

The Chetzemoka is a 64-car ferry that will make its inaugural sailing between Keystone and Port Townsend on Sunday, Aug. 29.

It's scheduled to have its first full day of service on the Keystone-Port Townsend route on Monday, Aug. 30.

The ferry's superstructure was built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland.

The Chetzemoka is the first new Washington state ferry built in more than a decade.

Todd Pacific Shipyards of Seattle was awarded the $65.5 million contract for the ferry's construction in December 2008.

Construction began in January 2009 and met the 18-month timeline to build this first vessel in the class of Kwa-di Tabil ferries.

The Chetzemoka is currently undergoing final outfitting and dock trials at Everett Shipyard.

Construction is well under way on the second Kwa-di Tabil-class ferry, and steel is being cut for the third vessel.

The launching of the Chetzemoka represents the state's commitment to maintaining a world-class ferry system that thousands of Washingtonians depend on every day, according to Governor Chris Gregoire.

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The MV Chetzemoka has had its share of incidents, which is a good reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness.

On December 4, 2016, the Chetzemoka collided with a smaller vessel, the Nap Tyme in Dalco Passage, in between Vashon Island and Point Defiance. No one was injured in this minor collision.

A more serious incident occurred on December 24, 2016, when the captain of the Chetzemoka suffered a medical emergency and fell upon the controls. This caused the vessel to pull away from the dock while it was still tied up, minutes from its scheduled departure.

Fortunately, no damage was done to the vessel, but the dock's apron was damaged, shutting down the Point Defiance Terminal for a week.

For another approach, see: USS High Point