Get involved! Kitsap Transit's vision for a new ferry maintenance facility
Workers renovate the M/V Finest at Nichols Bros Boat Builders in 2018.
At Kitsap Transit, we strive to offer reliable transit options to travelers across Kitsap County. In recent years, we have expanded our ferry fleet to meet demand, connecting communities in Puget Sound and providing vital transportation options.
A Dedicated Space for Ferry Maintenance
Currently, Kitsap Transit operates the second-largest ferry system in Washington state, with 10 vessels across five routes. To further enhance our ferry operations, we are looking into establishing a dedicated maintenance facility for routine maintenance tasks.
Local shipyards' limited availability for routine and unexpected vessel maintenance has resulted in service disruptions. The lack of a dedicated maintenance facility also reduces our ability to effectively plan and execute a robust maintenance program and leaves staff without permanent shop spaces or equipment storage.
A Kitsap Transit-owned and operated maintenance facility will offer dedicated shop spaces tailored to the needs of the Kitsap Transit fleet and maintenance program. It will improve service reliability by minimizing service disruptions associated with shipyard availability, allow vessels to be maintained on a regular schedule in a more timely and cost-effective manner, and provide the infrastructure, inventory, and tools necessary to conduct routine maintenance and emergency repairs of the ferry fleet.
Major vessel repairs and maintenance will still require Kitsap Transit to work with area shipyards, but having a dedicated maintenance facility in Kitsap County will offer Kitsap Transit the ability to manage light repairs and maintenance itself, thus reducing the frequency and magnitude of service disruptions.
The Carlisle II in dry dock.
Project Status
We are in the process of selecting a site for the facility. To date, we have completed extensive screening to identify three suitable site alternatives. The next phase will involve developing conceptual layouts for the facility at each site, developing detailed cost estimates and conducting an exhaustive site assessment. Each step is crucial in ensuring the location is optimal for operations, financially sound and environmentally responsible.
Get Involved!
We invite the community to learn about and provide input on the proposed facility. We have developed an interactive StoryMap to provide a project overview, summary of current sites being considered and information about the next steps in this process.
After reviewing the StoryMap, take our short survey! Feedback will be used to inform the next steps in the process. Click the link below to view the StoryMap, learn more about the project and share your thoughts.