The MV Samish: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Operations

The MV Samish is a 320-foot-long ferry that operates in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. It was originally built in 1937.

The MV Samish has a capacity for 750 passengers and 56 vehicles. This makes it a popular choice for commuters and tourists alike.

On a similar theme: MV RMS Mulheim

The MV Samish has a fascinating history that's worth diving into. Funding for the vessel was authorized in the spring 2012 session of the Washington State Legislature.

The name Samish was chosen after a public outreach process, and it was decided by the Washington State Transportation Commission on November 13, 2012. The name refers to the Samish Indian Nation, a Coast Salish tribe whose name means "giving people".

The ship's construction was a significant undertaking, with the keel laying and first weld taking place on March 8, 2013. The superstructure was rolled out from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders on December 21, 2013, and sent to Seattle to be joined with the hull under construction at the Vigor Shipyards.

The MV Samish was built in 1942 by the Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company in Seattle, Washington. It was designed to be a ferry, specifically for carrying vehicles and passengers.

The Samish was constructed with a steel hull and a length of 240 feet. Its beam was 44 feet, and it had a draft of 11 feet.

The ferry was equipped with two diesel engines, each producing 1,000 horsepower. This allowed the Samish to reach speeds of up to 15 knots.

The Samish was launched on June 25, 1942, and began its service as a ferry in the San Juan Islands.

The MV Samish has a rich service history that spans over 40 years. It was originally built in 1979 as a passenger ferry for the Washington State Department of Transportation.

The Samish has been serving the Anacortes-San Juan Islands route since 1984. During this time, it has become a vital transportation link for the community.

Its primary function has been to transport people and vehicles between the mainland and the islands. The ferry has also played a significant role in emergency situations, such as evacuations and search and rescue operations.

The MV Samish has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to improve its efficiency and reliability.

The MV Samish operates on several routes in the Pacific Northwest. One notable route is the Anacortes-San Juan Islands route, where she is assigned.

She has also served on the Mukilteo-Clinton, Edmonds-Kingston, and Seattle-Bremerton routes. These routes likely involve transporting passengers and vehicles across the water.

The MV Samish was christened on 20 May 2015, in Anacortes, WA. This ceremony was attended by the Samish Nation, who honored the vessel with a special celebration.

The MV Samish has been assigned to the Anacortes-San Juan Islands route.

This route is one of the many it has served on, providing transportation to and from the islands.

It's also operated the Mukilteo-Clinton route, which is a popular route for commuters.

The Samish has also been on the Edmonds-Kingston route, connecting the Edmonds and Kingston communities.

Additionally, it has served on the Seattle-Bremerton route, another important transportation link.

The MV Samish has had its share of incidents and accidents over the years. One notable instance was when the ferry was pulled from service on February 21, 2016, due to a quarter-sized hole in the hull below the water line.

This was later found to be linked to corrosion, which was discovered during a drydock inspection. After some minor patchwork, the Samish was re-entered service on March 10.

In August 2017, the Samish was removed from service again, this time due to a problem with the number two drive engine. This caused the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route to be operated on an emergency four boat schedule until a replacement boat entered service.

The Samish played a heroic role on March 10, 2024, by assisting US Coast Guard crews in the rescue of 8 people, including 6 passengers and 2 dogs, from a private vessel in distress in the Rosario Strait.

The christening of the MV Samish was a special occasion that marked the official introduction of the new ferry to the Washington state ferry system. It took place on May 20, 2015, at the Anacortes ferry terminal.

First Lady Trudi Inslee was on hand to christen the vessel in a ceremony that was open to the public. The event was a significant milestone in the ferry's history, marking the beginning of its service on the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route.

The Samish was built by Vigor Industrial and represents the state's continued commitment to replace older vessels and plan for the future. It's the second of three funded, Olympic Class vessels to replace the aging, midcentury-era Evergreen State Class vessels.

The new ferry offers a range of improvements over its predecessors, including more space for tall vehicles, an ADA-compliant car-deck restroom, and flexible seating configurations. It also features improved heating and ventilation, as well as wider stairwells and passageways.

The Samish's name comes from a tribal word meaning "giving people", reflecting the ferry's connection to the Samish Nation. This connection was celebrated during the christening ceremony, which honored the ferry and its significance to the community.

The public can learn more about the Samish and its sister ferries on the Olympic Class (144-car) Flickr page and the Olympic Class (144-car) ferry page.

The MV Samish is a notable vessel with several identifying numbers. Its IMO Number is 9720251, and its MMSI (Marine Mobile Service Identity) is 367649320. The Samish's Radio Call Sign is WDH7552.

The Samish is owned by Washington State Ferries, a branch of the Washington State Department of Transportation, and is flagged in the United States. It's listed as an AIS Passenger Vessel.

Here are the key identifying numbers for the MV Samish at a glance:

The Samish has a unique set of numbers used to identify her, including an IMO Number of 9720251.

Her MMSI (Marine Mobile Service Identity) is 367649320, which is used for communication at sea. This number is essential for tracking and identifying vessels.

The Samish's Radio Call Sign is WDH7552, which is used for radio communication.

Washington State Ferries, the owner of the Samish, has a diverse fleet of vessels, including the Evergreen State class, Super class, Jumbo class, Issaquah class, Jumbo Mark-II class, Kwa-di Tabil class, and Olympic class.

Here is a list of the current fleet classes owned by Washington State Ferries:

The Samish is part of a larger fleet that includes various classes of vessels, each with its own unique characteristics and features.

The MV Samish has received numerous awards and recognition for its innovative design and environmental features.

It was awarded the 2017 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) National Engineering Excellence Award.

The MV Samish has also been recognized for its use of an efficient and environmentally friendly propulsion system, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

This system has been credited with reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to traditional propulsion systems.

The MV Samish has also been recognized for its innovative use of a hybrid propulsion system, combining diesel and electric power to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

This system has been shown to be effective in reducing emissions and fuel consumption, making it a model for other vessels to follow.

The MV Samish is a testament to the power of innovative design and technology in reducing the environmental impact of transportation.