Governor visits Nichols Bros.: Inslee expresses optimism for fourth 144-car ferry

Published 3:03 pm Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Washington’s top elected official was on South Whidbey yesterday visiting Nichols Brothers Boat Builders and getting his first peek of the Chimacum, the state’s newest 144-car ferry.

Gov. Jay Inslee met with company leaders and toured the Freeland shipyard for about an hour Tuesday morning. The visit preceded a noon luncheon with the Island County Economic Development Council in Oak Harbor.

Before heading north, Inslee told The Record he stopped at Nichols because he wanted to check out the new boat but also to see how state-funded transportation projects have translated into real jobs.

“We want to see actual job creation in our state, and Nichols is a bright spot,” said Inslee, referring to the yard’s role in building half a dozen state ferries since the retirement of the steel electrics in late 2007.

The Chimacum is the latest of three 144-car Olympic Class ferries built jointly by Nichols Brothers and Vigor Industrial in Seattle. The hulls are fabricated by Vigor and the superstructures by the Freeland shipbuilder. Construction of the 144-car ferry began early this year.

Shepherded by an entourage that included CEO Gavin Higgins, Vice President Matt Nichols, and various company and state officials, Inslee was introduced to project team leaders and yard workers. One of those meetings was a reintroduction to an old friend: Fran LaFond, the yards’ storm water administrator. The governor, LaFond and Nichols all went to school together as kids.

After some reminiscing, which included Inslee asking why they looked so much younger than himself, LaFond gave him a tour of the company’s onsite water treatment system. It removes copper and other toxic chemicals in parts per billion, as opposed to parts per million. It’s a source of great pride for the company.

“There’s no other shipyards doing this,” Higgins said.

Inslee was impressed, saying such investments in the environment are vital for salmon recovery and a cleaner Puget Sound. He said later it was a highlight of his visit to Nichols.

“To have one of the best systems in the world right here is something to be proud of,” Inslee said.

In an earlier interview with The Record, Higgins said the governor’s visit was likely a first for the company in its 50-year history, making it a rare opportunity to show off the high-quality work and craftsmanship produced at the Freeland shipyard.

“I don’t think it ever hurts to have the governor come through,” Higgins said. “It’s a testament to the business.”

Tuesday’s visit wasn’t just a tour, however; it was a chance for company leaders to speak with the governor about several critical issues. First and foremost, they expressed their hopes for the passage of the governor’s transportation budget, which called for the construction of a fourth 144-car ferry.

“Of course we’re very keen for the state Department of Transportation to continue to improve its vessels, its fleet,” Higgins said.

Since 2008, the state has funded the construction of six new ferries: the Chetzemoka, the Kennewick and the Salish of the Kwa-di Tabil class; and the Tokitae, the Samish and the Chimacum of the Olympic class.

The Tokitae is in service on the Clinton-to-Mukilteo ferry route, while the Samish and Chimacum are still under construction. The Samish is currently slated for service in the San Juan Islands, and the Chimacum’s route has yet to be determined.

Inslee said the Senate’s adoption of a transportation budget  makes him more hopeful that a fourth 144-car ferry will be funded in 2015, but that there are still a few hurdles to overcome.

“We have a fair shot of getting it done this year,” Inslee said.

“I feel much better than I did six months ago,” he added.

Company leaders also emphasized their state-certified apprenticeship program. Higgins said it’s currently funded in-house, but that any state assistance would be welcome.