| Tariff - No change in 2010 |
For the first time in many years, no changes have been proposed for the 2010 tariff. The tariff is the document that outlines specific charges, category by category, for passengers, vehicles or freight transported by the Ferry Line.
There are a few schedule changes, but they will be minor, primarily to reflect 2010 calendar dates.
By contrast, the 2009 tariff came on the heels of 2008 record-high fuel costs, of extensive dredging and dock work, coupled with declining traffic. As a result of unavoidable business expenses, heading into 2009 nearly every category was increased. In addition, the 2009 ferry schedule was modified to meet declining ridership, better matching trip times with greater traffic volume.
It was a combination of the slight gains in 2009 vehicle and passenger traffic, reduced fuel prices, and close management of a variety of 2009 operational costs that has made a stable tariff for 2010 possible. |
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“Although travel seemed to pick up in the summer of 2009, we’re still in a recession,” said Dick Purinton, Ferry Line president. “With belief there will be a continued rise in traffic into 2010, and continuation of work toward increased operating efficiencies, we’ll try to keep rates as reasonable as possible. This acknowledges the circumstances faced by both our general traveling public and the frequent travel by commercial service providers who regularly use the ferry. “
“One of the ways in which we’re looking to bring about long term savings and efficiency is through the reconstruction of the ferry WASHINGTON,” Purinton added. “While we are spending dollars now to upgrade the main propulsion engines, we should see savings in fuel consumption over time. And there are other modifications that have also been made in conjunction with repowering that essentially make parts of this vessel like new. The end result should be a vessel that will serve our needs for the next 30 years.” |
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| Washington |
The ferry WASHINGTON went into dry dock at Bay Shipbuilding, Sturgeon Bay, October 19th. The project is winding down, and soon we’ll be ready to conduct sea trials and bring the ferry back to the island.
Engines, gears, propellers, shafts and associated equipment were removed shortly after dry docking in preparation for re-ceiving new engines and reduction gears. After minor machining, props and shafts are being reused, but the engine room itself has been largely redone in terms of fuel handling, battery power source, engine cooling, wiring, and exhaust, and reworked hydraulics for steering, ramps and fire pump. The extensive work also included new “soft patches” over each engine foundation for future ease of access when major maintenance is required, and new pilot house and engine room panels for gauges, alarms and engine controls.
As of November 30th, new systems are being pressure tested for leaks prior to being filled with fluids for actual startup. Sea trials and final adjustments may take another week. The WASHINGTON’s return to Detroit Harbor is anticipated no later than mid-December, followed by winter layup shortly thereafter.
C.G. Richter update – the oldest ferry in the fleet was sold in October to “A Pirate’s Life For Me, LLC” and word was recently received via email from owner Ray Hixon that the C.G. made it safely to St. Petersburg, FL. Modifications are anticipated to be undertaken there to turn the ferry into a mock pirate ship, reminiscent of the 1700s in the Caribbean. |
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| ISLAND RAMPS GET NON-SKID SURFACES - Epoxy non-skid was applied to the ramp at the east end of the island dock in the warm days of early November. This coating matches work already done in late summer to the north island ramp. Thoroughly cleaning paint and rust from the surface, polishing it smooth, is essential before application of the thick peanut butter-like, two-part mix. This coating is similar to that applied to the main deck of the Arni J. Richter, and it is expected to last for many years. AT NORTHPORT, pipes were driven October 31st by Mike Kahr of Death’s Door Marine for expansion of the south ramp approach. Steel H-beams stacked on the pier await fitting and attachment as structural support for the apron surface. This project has now been scaled back from the permit applied for in 2007, since in the several year interim, during which time portions of the WDNR construction per-mit were challenged, a new and longer ramp was built and installed at the end of the pier. Extreme low water levels in 2007 and 2008 brought pressure to improve loading mech-anisms at Northport. GUN DEER SEASON for 2009 officially ended Sunday, November 29th, with number of registered deer taken in the Township down consider-ably from other, recent years. There is one more week of hunting with muzzleloader, and the bow hunt will continue a bit longer, too, but far fewer hunters participate and few deer are taken late in the year. Warm temperatures and lack of snow, coupled with what seemed like an already lower deer population, may have been major factors contributing factors to the lower registration count. |
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Back by popular demand . . .
Winter Ticket Books
8 Round Trip Adult Tickets $80.50
(includes 1 free round trip adult ticket)
3 Round Trip Auto Tickets $75.00
Available at the Ferry Line
during office hours through March 31
Order by phone, email or in person
920-847-2546 info@wisferry.com |
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Happy Greetings to All! |
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