
The MV Suquamish is a 272-foot ferry with a rich history. It was built in 2004.
The ferry is designed to carry 2,500 passengers and 200 vehicles. This makes it a vital transportation link for the community.
The MV Suquamish serves the Kitsap and Puget Sound region, providing a convenient and reliable way to travel.
Take a look at this: MV RMS Mulheim
Design and Construction
The MV Suquamish was designed by Lee and Brinton and built at the John Wilson shipyard in Seattle.
It was an all-wooden construction vessel, measuring 84.5 feet long, 14.9 feet in beam, and 7-foot depth of hold. It had a 5-foot draft and weighed 75 gross tons and 51 registered tons.
The Suquamish cost $24,704 to construct and was capable of carrying 180 passengers.
Shipbuilding Process
The Suquamish was designed by Lee and Brinton and built at the John Wilson shipyard in Seattle.
The construction process involved all wooden materials, which is a notable aspect of the Suquamish's design.

The ship was 84.5 feet long, 14.9 feet wide, and had a depth of hold of 7 feet.
The Suquamish had a 5-foot draft and was built to carry 75 gross tons and 51 registered tons.
It cost $24,704 to construct the Suquamish, a significant investment at the time.
The vessel required a crew of five, which included one engineer for handling the engine and two engineers for standing alternate watches.
The Suquamish was powered by a 180-horsepower diesel engine built by the New London Ship & Engine Building Company, which ran at 350 revolutions per minute.
This engine gave the vessel a speed of 14 miles per hour, making it a relatively efficient mode of transportation.
The cost for fuel and lubricating oil averaged only 24 cents per hour, which is impressive considering the vessel's size.
The Suquamish carried a supply of fuel oil for two weeks, although there was space for a month's supply.
Key Features

Design and construction projects often involve a complex array of elements. The key to success lies in understanding and implementing several key features.
A well-designed building envelope is crucial for energy efficiency and durability. This involves careful consideration of materials, insulation, and weatherproofing.
Proper site preparation is essential for a stable foundation. This includes grading and excavation to ensure a level and even surface.
Building information modeling (BIM) has revolutionized the design and construction process. It allows for detailed digital representations of buildings, facilitating collaboration and reducing errors.
Regular inspections and quality control measures help prevent costly mistakes and ensure compliance with building codes. This includes monitoring construction progress and addressing any issues promptly.
Sustainable design and construction practices have become increasingly important. This involves using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and optimizing energy efficiency.
Service and Operations
The MV Suquamish is a game-changer for commuters on the Mukilteo-Clinton route. The ferry has the capacity for 144 vehicles and 1,500 passengers.

It replaces a ferry that held 124 vehicles, so now both boats will be of equal size. This will make a big difference in the lines and wait times for passengers.
The Suquamish is equipped with Tier 4 diesel engines, which are the cleanest in the fleet. This means it's not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.
The ferry is designed to make sailing smoother and more pleasant for passengers. It's got a lot of room for vehicles and people, which will help reduce congestion and wait times.
The Suquamish will be sailing back and forth on the busy passage, providing a reliable service for commuters. It's a welcome addition to the fleet.
MV Suquamish History
The MV Suquamish has a rich history that's worth exploring. The ferry was named after the Suquamish tribe, which was chosen by the Washington State Transportation Commission on March 16, 2016.
Two other names, Cowlitz and Sammamish, were also considered but ultimately rejected. The Suquamish tribe played a significant role in the ferry's naming process.

The keel laying ceremony took place in May 2016, where Suquamish tribe members blessed the boat and were joined by Governor Jay Inslee and Senator Christine Rolfes in a ceremonial weld strike. This ceremony marked an important milestone in the ferry's construction.
The ferry's superstructure was assembled in Tacoma, while the hull and car deck was built in Seattle. The superstructure was then moved to Seattle for final assembly.
The Suquamish completed sea trials in July 2018 and was placed on the Mukilteo–Clinton route. It entered service on October 4, 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last Washington state ferry built?
The last Washington state ferry built was the Suquamish, completed in 2018. It was part of a series of four ferries built between 2012 and 2018.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suquamish_(motor_vessel)
- https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/2018/08/09/bainbridge-island-ferry-suquamish-details/951926002/
- https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/news/newest-washington-state-ferry-mv-suquamish/
- https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-ferry-suquamish-launches-into-service/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Suquamish
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