MV Suquamish is an that is operated by Washington State Ferries and the inaugural sailing was at 12:30pm on October 4, 2018. The vessel carries 144 cars and 1,500 passengers.[1]
She primarily serves as a maintenance relief boat for other ferries, but also sails regularly on the Mukilteo–Clinton route during the summer peak with her sister ship, the .[2]
On March 16, 2016, the Washington State Transportation Commission chose to name the ferry Suquamish after the Suquamish tribe.[3] Two other names, Cowlitz and Sammamish, were also considered for the ferry but ultimately rejected.[4]
At the keel laying in May 2016, Suquamish tribe members blessed the boat and were joined by Governor Jay Inslee and Senator Christine Rolfes in a ceremonial weld strike.[5] The ferry's superstructure was assembled in Tacoma, while the hull and car deck was built in Seattle.[6] The superstructure was moved to Seattle for final assembly in August 2017 and completed sea trials in July 2018.[7] The Suquamish was placed on the Mukilteo–Clinton route and entered service on October 4, 2018.[8]