Scrap-metal value of ferries: $450,000 each

The state's four steel electric ferries, taken out of service last November, could be sold as scrap metal for about $450,000 each, according to a report prepared for Washington State Ferries.

The report was written to comply with a June 1 deadline set by the Washington Legislature to decide what to do with the 80-year-old boats, the Nisqually, Quinault, Klickitat and Illahee.

Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond pulled them out of service because of corrosion and extensive hull damage, leaving the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry route with no car ferry for more than two months.

State ferries hired two companies, Vigor Marine and MetroMetals Northwest, to establish the market value for the boats.

"Vigor and MetroMetals Northwest indicated there is a real potential for scrapping the vessels and provided a verbal estimate for scrap value of approximately $450,000 to $475,000 per vessel," the report said.

The state also checked with marine surveyors, and many recommended the state sell the boats for scrap, rather than trying to sell the ferries, said the report.

The state had estimated the scrap value at $415,000.

The next step, said ferry director David Moseley, is to advertise the vessels for sale to state agencies, local entities and nonprofit organizations beginning today. After that, if they don't sell, the state will try to sell the boats on eBay in early July.

"In light of the estimated scrap value of the vessels, the Department of Transportation's recommended minimum for bids is $350,000," Moseley said.

There already have been two expressions of interest for the boats. The Washington Scuba Alliance wants to establish a dive park in Northern Puget Sound with as many vessels as soon as possible. It would like to sink the boats as artificial reefs, but it's uncertain whether the alliance has the money to buy the boats.

The city of Port Townsend is interested in putting one of the old ferries on its waterfront for meeting space, a restaurant or parking. Port Townsend also said it is interested in a second vessel as a dive attraction.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com