“We have a plan in the works, but a lot of this is just based on we just don’t have enough people to operate the vessels,” he said. Then the ferry service will focus on restoring its southern routes, before it considers the international one.
Sterling said Washington State Ferries’ priority is to get the Anacortes-based service to the San Juan Islands fully restored, as it brings essential supplies to islanders, adding that’s close to being fully operational. The ferry service usually resumes its two-hour service in late March after a three-month winter break. “For that to happen next month would be pretty tough, although the decision is not final yet,” he said. Customs and Border Protection will also require time to prepare the site and recall personnel. Washington State Ferries only has one vessel, the Chelan, that can make the international crossing due to international regulations that require specialized equipment, and it’s often called into service to cover other routes.
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“And so, until we are able to restore full service domestically, it’s going to be a tough fight to go back to our international. “And then dealing with active COVID outbreaks and things,” he said. Ferries, Sterling said, Washington State Ferries is facing challenges finding enough staff for its vessels. The route, which goes between Anacortes and Sidney through the San Juan Islands, has not run since the pandemic shut down non-essential travel between the U.S. He emphasized that a lot would have to go right for the service to resume between Sidney and Washington state. Spokesman Ian Sterling said no decision has been made on whether the ferry will operate next month or even later this year. While other businesses are looking forward to a “nearly normal” tourist season amid softening pandemic restrictions, Washington State Ferries is casting doubt on whether it will be able to operate its Sidney-to-Anacortes ferry this summer.
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