PORT ANGELES — The MV Coho ferry will be out of service for a month beginning today for annual maintenance and electrical upgrades, Black Ball Ferry Line officials said.
The 60-year-old ferry is expected to return to service Feb. 7.
During the extended maintenance period, Black Ball Ferry Line will replace the ship’s main electrical boards, install two new generators and perform other “life extension” work, company officials said Friday.
“Our naval architects, who have studied the ship extensively, have determined Coho has at least another 20 years of service life ahead,” said Ryan Burles, president of Black Ball Ferry Line.
“We are very excited to be implementing these ship upgrades as part of our ongoing commitment to the ship’s robust maintenance program.”
The Coho celebrated the 60th anniversary of its maiden voyage Dec. 29.
The iconic ship has carried more than 26 million passengers and 7 million vehicles across the Strait of Juan de Fuca since 1959, Black Ball officials said.
Coho service is scheduled to resume Feb. 7 with an 8:20 a.m. sailing from Port Angeles and a 4 p.m. return from Victoria.
Beginning Feb. 8, the MV Coho will make two round trips daily, leaving Port Angeles at 8:20 a.m. and 2 p.m. and leaving Victoria at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., respectively.
Additional round-trip sailings will be added during the summer season between May 14 and Sept. 30.
About 470,000 passengers, 128,000 vehicles make the 90-minute crossing every year.
The ferry line also moves an estimated $200 million to $300 million in goods per year, Black Ball officials said.
For information on the Coho, visit www.cohoferry.com.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
