WSF’s Steve Nevey on running the nation’s largest ferry system
Nevey joined Washington State Ferries in 2021, bringing decades of maritime industry experience from roles both at sea and ashore with Chevron and Holland America Line. WSF photo.
As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. WorkBoat recently spoke with Steve Nevey, executive director of Washington State Ferries, to discuss the operational realities of running the nation’s largest ferry system amid an aging fleet, workforce shortages, and a complex transition toward hybrid-electric propulsion. Alongside those challenges, Nevey reflects on the progress made rebuilding crew pipelines, improving reliability, and staying closely connected to crews across the system as changes take hold.
What are the biggest vessel-related constraints you deal with right now?
We've got 21 vessels. At any one time we're expected to be operating, let's say 18, it differs depending on the season, but our target is to have 18 vessels operating and then three in some kind of planned maintenance status. The average age of the fleet is 35 years old and our oldest vessel is 67 years old. So...that's the biggest constraint is that the age of the fleet is getting up there.
Go to this link to read the full article published by WorkBoat https://www.workboat.com/wsf-s-steve-nevey-on-running-the-nation-s-largest-ferry-system
Washington State Ferries' Suquamish underway. WSF photo.