Mount Vernon — Residents and travelers in Anacortes may have noticed the large green-and-white state ferry at the end of Commercial Avenue this past month.
Every so often, the state Department of Transportation will bring a ferry into dry dock, fully out of the water, for regular repairs.
The Skagit Valley Herald recently toured a vessel to see what that work looks like up close.
The 57-year-old ferry Kaleetan, one of the two remaining 144-car Super class vessels, has been in dry dock since July 29 at Dakota Creek Industries, which is contracted for its repairs this fall.
The state ferries are put in dry dock twice every five years.
Dry dock work can include repainting, routine inspections and mechanical repairs. Engine crews stay with the ship while the deck crew and other crews join different assignments around the Puget Sound.
Amid staffing and vessel shortages, the less dramatic maintenance work keeps the ships afloat, and prevents later major repairs.
State ferries are expected to last roughly 60 years. Although the Kaleetan is edging up to its expiration date, “this one’s in really good shape,” said Staff Chief Engineering Scott Sumpter, the chief on the Kaleetan.
“We’re pretty lucky, pretty proud, to have boats that last 60 years,” said Sumpter.
The importance of the work isn’t lost on those doing it.
“All this (dry dock work) is kind of out of the eye of the public — but it’s just needed repairs to keep the vessel safe and running,” said Ron Olson, the vessel project engineer.
On the aging Kaleetan, this fall’s work has included replacing the seals on a propeller that prevents water from getting into the ship, opening and flushing out sprinkler piping, refurbishing the ADA facilities, replacing a small area of car deck steel and four doors, and inserting panels on its hull.
