MV Spokane

The MV Spokane is a Jumbo-class ferry operated by Washington State Ferries. She was built in 1972 by the Todd Shipyards in Seattle, Washington, for the Seattle–Bainbridge route. The ship remained assigned there until the construction of the Jumbo Mark-II class in the late 1990s displaced her to the Edmonds–Kingston route, where she has remained since.

The MV Spokane sailing from Edmonds to Kingston.
History
NameMV Spokane
OwnerWSDOT
OperatorWashington State Ferries
Port of registrySeattle, Washington
RouteEdmonds-Kingston
BuilderTodd Shipyards, Seattle
Completed1972
Maiden voyageFebruary 13, 1973
In serviceFebruary 24, 1973
Identification
StatusIn service
General characteristics
Class and typeJumbo-class auto/passenger ferry
Tonnage
  • 3,246 GT
  • 1,198 NT
Displacement4,859 long tons (4,937 t)
Length440 ft (134 m)
Beam87 ft (27 m)
Draft16 ft (5 m)
Decks4
Deck clearance15 ft 8 in (4.8 m)
Installed powerTotal 11,500 hp (8,600 kW) from 4 x diesel-electric engines
PropulsionDiesel-electric (DC)
Speed18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
Capacity
  • 2,000 passengers
  • 206 vehicles (max 60 commercial)

Perhaps one of the most notable features of the Spokane is her colorful interior which she has sported since being rebuilt in the mid 1990s.

Naming

Spokane was named for the Spokane tribe by the Washington State Highway Commission, continuing the tradition of naming ferry vessels for Native American tribes that was started by the Puget Sound Navigation Company. At least seven other vessels had carried the name "Spokane" prior to the launch of the ferry in 1972.[1][2]

History

Spokane was launched by Todd Shipyards on April 14, 1972, and christened by Carol Stearns of the Spokane tribe. On the same day, the keel for MV Walla Walla was laid at the shipyard.[3][1] Both vessels cost $17.7 million to construct.[4]

She made her ceremonial maiden voyage on February 13, 1973, departing from Colman Dock in Seattle carrying Governor Dan Evans, the mayors of Seattle and Spokane, and members of the Spokane tribe.[5] At 440 feet (130 m) long and with a capacity of 206 cars, the Spokane was the largest ferry in the Washington State Ferries system when she entered service.[6]

The ferry made her first regular commuter run on the morning of February 24, 1973. Riders onboard complimented the "superferry" on her luxurious look, cleanliness, and handling.[7]

With the launch of the Jumbo Mark-II-class ferries MV Tacoma and MV Wenatchee in 1998, Spokane was moved to the Edmonds–Kingston route alongside MV Puyallup.[8][9]

The ferry was featured in a scene in the film Cinderella Liberty.

References
  1. "Jumbo Ferry Launching" (Press release). Washington Highways Department. April 10, 1972.
  2. "M/V Spokane". Washington State Ferries. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  3. "Ferry launching is tomorrow". The Seattle Times. April 13, 1972. p. A14.
  4. "Indian chief, beauty queen to launch ferry". The Seattle Times. September 18, 1972. p. D19.
  5. Hinterberger, John (February 14, 1973). "A fancy ferry's maiden voyage". The Seattle Times. p. D4.
  6. Carter, Glen (February 9, 1973). "That big 'liner' in the Sound is the super-super Spokane". The Seattle Times. p. B5.
  7. Johnsurd, Bryon (February 25, 1973). "First regular passengers agree new ferry is super". The Seattle Times. p. A18.
  8. Rothgeb, Jim (November 18, 1997). "New ferry: Commuters face the music". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
  9. Ortiz, Vikki (August 5, 1997). "Newest ferry in fleet will be fanciest of all". The Seattle Times. p. B1.


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