PORT TOWNSEND — The state will try again on a car-ferry construction bid, one that gives the shipbuilder more time.
Washington State Ferries rejected Thursday the lone bid it received for a new 50-car ferry for the Port Townsend-Keystone route.
The ferry is based on the design of the Steilacoom II now plying the run.
Todd Pacific Shipyards of Seattle had bid $26 million, which is $9 million more than state had estimated for the project.
Todd estimated that it would take 200,000 work hours to construct the vessel — 42 percent more than state engineers had calculated.
David Moseley, Washington State Ferries director, said the state will repackage the bid and speak with shipyards — including Todd — to find ways in which to bring the cost down.
“We will engage in conversations with shipbuilders, and try to obtain ideas and thoughts on how to repackage and revision the bid,” Moseley said.
“We will then rebid, and hopefully find a bid which is more affordable.”
Moseley said state engineers might have underestimated the actual cost of building the ferry when originally calling for bids.
Driving up the cost were changes to the Steilacoom II‘s design, and the time frame for completion.
