Background

The historic Anacortes-Sidney ferry route, operating since 1922, faces prolonged uncertainty as Washington State Ferries (WSF) navigates complex challenges of fleet modernization, environmental mandates, and staffing constraints. Initially departing from Beacon Wharf before relocating to its current terminal near Tulista Park in 1959, the route has been suspended since international travel restrictions began during the pandemic.

The Town of Sidney leases the terminal facilities to WSF for approximately $190,000 annually plus taxes. The lease terms stipulate that these funds must be reserved for terminal capital projects. During summer, the route traditionally provides two daily sailings, serving as a vital transportation link between Vancouver Island and Washington State.

In February 2023, WSF announced that service suspension would extend until at least 2030, prompting swift opposition from affected communities and First Nations. In response, the Washington State Legislature mandated that WSF search for alternative foreign or domestic vessels for purchase or lease. Marcon International searched on WSF's behalf but failed to locate a suitable vessel.

When asked about the route's future, WSF Communications Director Dana Warr stated, "There is no current Washington State Ferries vessel available for the international ferry route until approximately 2030. At that time, Washington State Ferries will have constructed new hybrid electric ferries for its fleet that should enable the allocation of a ferry to the international ferry route, subject to Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS) certification, a U.S. Coast Guard requirement for vessels in international route service."

Recent operational data from Warr reveals some improvement but challenges continue: "In the first nine of months of 2024 Washington State Ferries has canceled 1.9% of scheduled sailings, or 509 fewer sailings missed than the same time frame last year. Here's is last week's data... For the week of November 11-17, we completed 98.89% of our 2,787 scheduled sailings. Of our 33 cancellations, 49% (16) were due to crewing, 42% (14) were due to tidal currents, and 9% (3) were due to schedule resets (when a boat is significantly behind schedule, we cancel a sailing to restore the schedule and provide more predictability for customers). There were no cancellations due to vessels being out of service."

Challenges to Restarting the Route

The situation is further complicated by WSF's legislative mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2040 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. To meet these ambitious environmental targets, WSF developed a 2040 Long Range Plan encompassing 16 new hybrid ferries, retrofitting 6 existing vessels, retiring 13 diesel vessels, and installing charging infrastructure at 16 terminals. The estimated cost approaches 4 billion US dollars, and it would expand the fleet by three vessels.

Vessel availability presents another hurdle. The MV Chelan, previously SOLAS-certified and currently the only vessel in WSF's fleet previously qualified for international routes, is scheduled for retirement in 2036. At 43 years old, the vessel's reliability cannot guarantee consistent service. WSF's fleet now comprises 21 vessels ranging from five to 64 years old, with the hybrid retrofitting program reportedly running a year behind schedule.

According to WSF's 2020 System Electrification Plan, the Anacortes-Sidney route presents unique challenges for hybridization due to the additional weight of SOLAS requirements and the extended crossing distance. This technical limitation conflicts with the legislative mandate for net zero emissions, raising questions about the route's long-term sustainability within WSF's environmental goals.

In January 2024, WSF released a Service Contingency Plan for the next five years, prioritizing domestic routes while working to restore service to pre-pandemic levels. The plan explicitly states that full restoration of domestic services isn't expected until new vessels enter the fleet in 2028, with international service to Sidney projected for 2030.

What’s Happening With the Ferry Terminal

Sidney's Director of Finance, Andrew Hicik, provided insight into terminal preparations: "We'd need at least two years' lead time [to make the terminal ready to restart the route]. It would require Washington State Ferries' participation." The town's Financial Plan identifies $1.3 million in necessary capital projects for the terminal in 2026, though Hicik notes these improvements won't proceed without reasonable assurance of route resumption.

Regarding lease arrangements, Hicik clarified that potential third-party use isn't straightforward: "It's not quite that simple. The agreement calls for revenue sharing with Washington State Ferries on any third-party revenues. The magnitude of those revenues may impact whether or not Washington State Ferries asks for any lease or tax relief. And that's only looking at it from the Town's and Washington State Ferries' perspective; the real barrier is to the potential third party, who would need time to recoup the value of any investment they may make at the terminal, in order to make it useful for their purposes."

The current lease agreement presents additional complexities. While it expires in 2031, WSF maintains renewal rights for an additional 15 years with 18 months' notice. However, WSF can terminate the lease without penalty if the State Legislature ceases operational funding for the route. When asked about the possibility of early termination, Hicik noted that while such a scenario has always been possible, "Everything we've been hearing from Washington State Ferries is that they are fully committed to the return of the route."

Is the Route Likely to Resume?

The route's economic significance remains substantial, with a 2020 study estimating $40 million in annual benefits to San Juan County and support for 400 jobs. However, analysts suggest that additional domestic sailings between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands could provide comparable economic benefits, potentially mitigating the impact of a permanent route closure.

The route's resilience is shown by its historical context. Previous attempts to end the Anacortes-Sidney service in 1977, 1997, 2002, and 2009 faced strong community opposition, particularly from Washington residents whose voices carried significant weight with state decision-makers. A 2021 Washington State Legislature study explored privatization options, concluding that they were feasible but had minimal impact on WSF's long-term funding requirements.

The terminal has remained largely inactive since 2019, except for brief use during movie filming. Both WSF and Sidney face crucial infrastructure decisions in the coming years, including adaptation for sea level rise and integration with broader waterfront development plans. Any significant investment in terminal improvements would require certainty about the route's future and coordination between both parties.

The complexities of international maritime regulations add another layer of challenge. WSF confirmed that staffing international routes require additional training and certifications beyond those needed for domestic service, potentially impacting crew availability and operational costs.

When Will a Decision Be Made

With the terminal requiring significant preparation work before reopening and the lease expiring in 2031, decisions about the route's future may need to be made well before the projected 2030 restart date. The restoration of this international maritime link now hinges on WSF's ability to balance environmental mandates, fleet modernization, and operational priorities while addressing the complex requirements of international ferry service.

As both communities await concrete developments, the future of this historic transportation link remains uncertain. The next few years will likely prove crucial in determining whether the Anacortes-Sidney route can successfully navigate the challenging waters of environmental regulations, infrastructure requirements, and financial considerations to resume its role in connecting these sister cities across international waters.

*This article was updated with minor editorial changes from the original.