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THE MARINE LOG FEATURES CALENDAR FOR 2003

WSF DEVELOPING RFP
Washington State Ferries has yet to let a contract for replacing its six ferries. That won’t happen until 2005. It has, however, begun the tedious task of formulating a request for proposals. WSF is also currently developing the technical specs for an RFP for the construction of four large auto passenger ferries that would replace six vessels in its fleet due to retire between 2008-2010. WSF anticipates spending $284.7 million to build the four new ferries, which would each carry 1,200 passengers and 130 cars.

Four of the six vessels being replaced include the system’s four ancient Steel Electric class ferries, which were christened when Calvin Coolidge was in the White House and Babe Ruth was still swinging a bat for the New York Yankees.

Retiring the Steel Electric Class boats, which were built in the late 1920s, and the 1947-built Rhododendron, would alleviate a major maintenance headache for the WSF. The five boats all have riveted rather than welded hulls. The sixth boat being retired is the 1954-built Evergreen State.

Replacement of the six vessels with the four new ferries will actually yield capacity gains of 55 cars and 690 passengers for the system (see accompanying graphic).
State law requires a modified request for proposals process for procurement of the auto ferries under which the shipbuilder would enter into a design and build partnership with the WSF.

Phase One is an evaluation and selection of the proposed builders to participate in the development of technical proposals in Phase Two.

Phase Two is the preparation of technical proposals by the selected proposed builders in consultation with the WSF.

Phase Three is the submission and evaluation of the bids, the award of the contract to the successful Washington State shipyard, and the design and construction of the auto ferries.

Bid opening is June 2005, with contract execution in August 2005. Delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for December 2007, followed by the second in August 2008, third in March 2009 and fourth in June 2013.

WSF plans to hold a public meeting on Oct. 22 in Seattle detailing the status of the project