Built here by Vigor, new ferry Kennewick now on sea trials

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(Photos by Stuart Isett for Vigor; click to see larger image)
Unless you’re a crew member, you won’t get to see a view like that on board a state ferry. Well, unless you happen to be out on sea trials this week with the new state ferry Kennewick, built at Vigor (formerly Todd) Shipyards on Harbor Island. Kennewick was moved to Everett a few months ago for the final phase of work before it is delivered to Washington State Ferries, and that’s where it is ported for these trials, though as you can see in the background of this photo, it’s also sailing in waters near here:

(Click to see larger image)
According to Vigor’s communications director Steve Hirsh, “Our engineers said today’s first run was ‘very successful.’ We’re still looking at delivering Kennewick to Washington State Ferries by the end of October – ahead of schedule and under budget.” Kennewick is the third 64-car Kwa-di Tabil-class ferry; the first two are on the Port Townsend-Whidbey Island run, but Kennewick will be assigned to ~~Point Defiance (Tacoma)-Tahlequah (South Vashon).~~ replace one of them, the Chetzemoka, which will move to Point Defiance-Tahlequah. (Thanks to LB for pointing out this article about WSF’s change in the plan that is still outlined on its own website.)

LB October 6, 2011 (9:34 pm)

The Kennewick will be assigned to the Port Townsend – Keystone (Coupeville) route instead of the Pt. Defiance – Tahlequah route.

Article about it at: http://tinyurl.com/3sqbdkz

WSB October 6, 2011 (10:09 pm)

Thanks, LB! My information came from the Washington State Ferries website – which obviously hasn’t been updated with that information yet, at least not on the vessels page! Will update. – TR