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Port staff says MV Pride out of service; extended ferry hours, bids for new ferry set for July 2026
Summary
Port staff reported the MV Pride is out of service and described plans for extended ferry service, barge replacements, a July 2026 bid for a new ferry and a June 15 sea-trial for Belchase 2; commissioners urged either finding a rare replacement drive or modernizing the control system.
Port staff reported that the ferry MV Pride is out of service because of mechanical issues and that the port is operating extended hours and alternate service while it locates a replacement drive.
"The MB pride is out of service due to mechanical issues," said Mr. Lee during the port status report. He said staff are working with two companies to find a replacement drive for the bow-thruster and are evaluating an alternative to replace the entire control board if the original drive cannot be located.
Mr. Lee told commissioners the Belchase 2 vessel is nearing completion of dry-docking and he understood it would begin sea trials on Monday, June 15. He also said the port expects to advertise bids for a new diesel ferry in July 2026.
On landing and barge work, Mr. Lee said the Point Laash replacement project is progressing and that design work for barge replacements has begun; design is expected to take roughly seven months followed by about nine months for construction and placement. He estimated certain revitalization and repair permit processes would take roughly six months and suggested construction costs for that package would be about $2 million.
Commissioners pressed for clarity on the technical problem and timing. Commissioner McCarti asked whether the failure was mechanical or electrical; Mr. Lee said the immediate search is for a replacement drive for the bow thruster and that the problem involved the unit’s control drive. Commissioner Jurich said the issue also appears to have electrical and computer aspects and advocated for a plan B that would modernize the control board to parts that are more readily available.
Members of the public asked whether the replacement barges would be ready before the new electric ferry. Mr. Lee answered that the barges are scheduled to be ready before the electric ferry arrives.
Background and next steps: the port has put the equipment manufacturer on notice of potential liability after a fire-inspection found a fuel-line valve that staff described as proprietary to the manufacturer. Staff said they will consult with legal counsel and the manufacturer and proceed with the planned bidding schedule for the new ferry in July 2026.
The commission did not take any binding action on procurement or repairs during the report; staff said they will return with recommendations if a full control-board replacement is needed.
