A Year at Vigor Industrial Building Puget Sound’s Newest Ferry [TIMELAPSE]

The video captures construction of Washington state’s newest Olympic Class ferry, 144-car Tokitae, from the start of construction through summer 2013.

Vigor Industrial began construction of the Tokitae in March 2012 at the company’s Seattle shipyard and it’s due for delivery in the spring of 2014. Vigor Industrial’s US Fab Division won a contract to build up to four ferries for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), two of which have been funded and are currently under construction.

According to the WSDOT, the total contract value of the newbuildings is $264.3 million.

These new ferries are to replace the 1950s-era Evergreen State Class ferries, which are approaching the end of their service lives.  Future ferries may also feature dual fuel LNG power systems.

The shipyard achieved a major milestone in March 2013 when they moved the superstructure of the Tokitae onto the hull while both structures were in floating drydocks. The 1100-ton superstructure was fabricated at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders on Whidbey Island.

In July, the vessel was floated out of drydock to finish final outfitting pier side.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up