Washington State Ferries Sells Retired Vessels for Recycling
In a significant move to clear up its dock space and responsibly dispose of old vessels, Washington State Ferries (WSF) has announced the sale of two retired ferries, the “Elwha” and the “Klahowya”, for recycling in Ecuador. Sold for $100,000 each, the ferries have been purchased by Nelson Armas, who has received authorization from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) to transport the vessels for recycling at a steel mill facility in Ecuador.
This decision marks a major milestone in WSF’s efforts to retire ageing vessels and focus resources on maintaining their current fleet. The two ferries, which have both been out of service for several years, are currently docked at the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility on Bainbridge Island. As part of the agreement, a tugboat from Western Towboat Co., supplied by the new owner, will begin towing the ferries at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, August 19. From there, the “Elwha” and “Klahowya” will be transferred to the towing tugboat “Wycliffe”, which will guide them out of Puget Sound and toward their final destination in Ecuador.
A Sustainable and Safe Recycling Plan
WSF has emphasized the environmentally responsible approach being taken in this recycling process. According to a statement from the agency, the steel mill in Ecuador where the ferries will be recycled is both “clean” and “green,” adhering to high environmental standards. Additionally, both ferries have been certified to be free of hazardous materials, ensuring that their disposal will have minimal impact on the environment.
Steve Nevey, Assistant Secretary at WSF, expressed optimism about the benefits of the sale. “After safely serving our customers for more than five decades each, the sale of these two retired ferries will free up our docking space so we can focus vessel maintenance needs on our current fleet,” Nevey said. The sale of the vessels also eliminates the need to move the decommissioned ferries for maintenance, a process that previously required tugboat services and the involvement of a tow captain. This will now allow WSF to better utilize their resources, ensuring more focus and investment can be placed on its active ferries.
The recycling plan is part of WSF’s broader strategy to responsibly retire old ferries and upgrade the fleet, which plays a vital role in the transportation network of the Puget Sound region. Currently, there are plans for the sale of a third decommissioned vessel, the “Hyak”, with negotiations pending.
The “Elwha”: A Pillar of the Fleet for Over 50 Years
The “Elwha”, a 144-car Super-class ferry, has been a key part of the WSF fleet since it was built in the mid-1960s. It primarily served the Anacortes/Friday Harbor/Sidney, British Columbia route, a critical link for both residents and tourists travelling between Washington and Vancouver Island. After over five decades of service, the “Elwha” was officially decommissioned on April 8, 2020.
During its time in operation, the “Elwha” ferried countless passengers across the Salish Sea, braving harsh weather and ensuring reliable service year-round. The vessel was known for its capacity to carry a large number of vehicles, making it an essential part of the region’s transportation infrastructure. However, as with all ageing vessels, the “Elwha” began to face increasing maintenance challenges. As newer ferries were introduced into the fleet, it became more cost-effective to retire the “Elwha” rather than invest further in its upkeep.
The “Klahowya”: A Veteran of Local Routes
The “Klahowya”, an 87-car Evergreen State-class ferry, was built in 1958 and operated primarily on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route. This ferry was a familiar sight to commuters travelling between the Seattle area and the islands of Puget Sound. In 2014, the “Klahowya” transitioned to the interisland routes in the San Juan Islands, where it continued to serve residents until its decommissioning on July 1, 2017.
Despite its age, the “Klahowya” remained an important part of the WSF system until its retirement. It was eventually replaced by its sister ship, the “Tillikum”, which took over the interisland route in the San Juan Islands.
The Legacy of WSF’s Super-Class Ferries
The “Elwha” is one of four Super-class ferries built during the 1960s, which were once the pride of the WSF fleet. These ferries were designed to handle the increased demand for vehicle and passenger transportation as the region’s population grew. In addition to the “Elwha” and “Hyak”, two other Super-class ferries—”Kaleetan” and “Yakima”—were constructed during this period, and both are still in service today.
The “Hyak”, which was decommissioned on June 30, 2019, primarily operated on the Seattle/Bremerton route and is currently docked at the Kingston terminal. Like the “Elwha”, the “Hyak” has been a workhorse of the WSF fleet for many years, and its sale is expected to be finalized soon.
Meanwhile, the “Kaleetan” and “Yakima” continue to operate, providing essential services to communities around Puget Sound. As WSF moves forward with modernizing its fleet, these two remaining Super-class ferries will eventually be replaced by newer, more efficient vessels.
Moving Toward the Future
The sale of the “Elwha” and “Klahowya” is part of WSF’s larger effort to streamline its fleet and improve the efficiency of its operations. In recent years, WSF has faced increasing challenges in maintaining its ageing fleet, with several vessels nearing the end of their operational lifespans. By retiring older ferries and investing in newer, more energy-efficient vessels, WSF aims to continue providing reliable service to the region while reducing its environmental impact.
Nevey highlighted the long-term benefits of these changes: “This is a step toward a more sustainable and cost-effective future for our ferry system. By making room at our docks and freeing up resources, we can better serve our customers and ensure the reliability of our fleet for years to come.”
As WSF continues its fleet modernization efforts, the departure of the “Elwha” and “Klahowya” signals the end of an era for two iconic ferries that played an essential role in the daily lives of Washington residents. Their recycling in Ecuador represents a responsible and environmentally conscious decision that aligns with the agency’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
