New 64 Car Ferry Chetzemoka Enters Service for Islanders

On Nov. 14 the 64 car ferry MV Chetzemoka was christened at the Coupeville Keystone terminal, marking the vessel's formal entry into service and a return of reinforced ferry capacity across Admiralty Inlet. The inaugural sailing coincided with ceremonies that included tribal representatives and invited guests, with public viewing opportunities available. Governor Chris Gregoire and local officials were scheduled to attend the fanfare events.

The vessel, named for Klallam Chief Chetzemoka, will operate the Port Townsend to Coupeville route and begin regular daily sailings on Monday Nov. 15. Officials emphasize the ferry's capacity and its role in maintaining a reliable vehicle link between Island County and Jefferson County, a corridor that carries commuters, freight, and visitors across Admiralty Inlet.

For Island County residents the addition of the MV Chetzemoka has practical consequences. The ferry increases vehicle capacity on a key route that supports local businesses, tourism and daily commuting patterns. Regular sailings are also important for emergency response planning and for reducing congestion on alternate routes that can add significant travel time. Public viewing at the christening allowed residents to witness the transfer of a state asset into service and to observe tribal participation in the naming and ceremonial proceedings.

Institutionally the event underscores the continuing role of Washington State Ferries and state leadership in managing maritime transportation infrastructure that is central to the economy and connectivity of coastal counties. The inclusion of tribal representatives in ceremonial events acknowledges cultural and historical ties to local waterways and place names. Naming the vessel for Chief Chetzemoka reinforces a practice of recognizing Indigenous leaders in regional maritime nomenclature.

The ferry's introduction also highlights policy and budgetary choices made at the state and local levels that prioritize maintenance and expansion of ferry capacity. Decisions about fleet deployment affect daily operations, schedule reliability and long term planning for Island County transportation. Voters and civic leaders influence those choices through elections and public engagement, making the management of ferry assets a local governance issue as much as a transportation matter.

As MV Chetzemoka moves into regular service, local officials and residents will monitor how the vessel performs in daily operations and whether it delivers anticipated improvements in capacity and reliability. The christening and inaugural sailings are ceremonial milestones, but the back end of operations and schedule consistency will determine the real impact on Island County travel and commerce in the months ahead.