Ferry Salish on its way north

The ferry Salish is on its way to Everett, officials with Washington State Ferries said Monday.

The ferry Salish is on its way to Everett, officials with Washington State Ferries said Monday.

The state’s second new Kwa-di Tabil Class ferry is being towed this morning to Everett Shipyard, where the 64-car ferry will undergo final outfitting and systems testing.

The Salish is being towed from Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle, and was expected to arrive in Everett by noon.

As with its sister ship the Chetzemoka, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland built everything above the car deck of the Salish, including the passenger section and the pilot houses. Todd Pacific Shipyard built the hull, car deck and engine room.

The Salish had been expected to be added as the second ferry on the Coupeville (Keystone)-Port Townsend route during the summer, but Washington State Ferries has suggested moving the new ferry to the San Juans, a proposal that has drawn criticism on Whidbey Island.