The newest Washington State ferry, built at Vigor Shipyards on Harbor Isaland the Tokitae was out on Elliott Bay on Tuesday April 29 conducting sea trials.

It is the first of three 144-car ferries planned to replace the state’s aging Evergreen State-class 87-car ferries, all of which are about 60 years old. The second 144-car ferry, the Samish, is under construction now at Vigor Industrial.

Following the sea trials and crew training, the Tokitae will enter service on the Mukilteo-Clinton route in June. The Samish is expected to serve the San Juan Islands beginning early next year.

Washington lawmakers also approved funding for a third 144-car ferry during the recently completed legislative session. The 144-car third ferry, still unnamed, will be built by Vigor and likely serve the Seattle-Bremerton route.