MADONNA CONSTRUCTION 19.0 & OTHER PERTINENT INFO

Madonna, port side looking aft.  (Rich Ellefson photo)

Detroit Harbor, Washington Island -

We enter a new phase in the construction of the Madonna at the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding yard.  Not in the physical sense of putting a vessel together, one that is intended to provide service for five and more decades.  Rather, it is in the aura of societal symptoms that surround us, symptoms of a breakdown, of what feels at times like overwhelming darkness.


But, we have good news!  Construction goes forward, and the Madonna looks more and more like a ship each day.  We hold fast, anticipating placing this ferry in operation alongside other fleet vessels during this coming season, hopeful there will be patrons waiting in line to board.  Are we being overly optimistic?

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Before we show you the nuts and bolts on this vessel's progress, I'm going to pause to don my WIFL officer's hat, and then make a few statements in light of the news circulating around the Island:

1.  Washington Island Ferry Line will continue to provide regular, scheduled ferry service to and from Washington Island.  That is what our authorization from the Wisconsin Railroad Commission requires of us.  (At one time it was the Wisconsin Public Service, then Transportation Commission).

Crew members are working daily to prepare our fleet for the season, and they will be available for each ferry departure to assist you as they have in the past.  A few new techniques may be utilized to minimize exposure to one another, such as: you may be required to swipe your own credit card to help minimize contact - yours and the ticket selle.    **   UPS, FED EX and other package freight, plus U. S Mail and important shipments by truck, such as Mann's Store grocery truck, True Value Hardware, and so forth, will be transported, as before.  Due to governmental recommendations for quarantine, closures and restrictions we've come to know as social distancing, we anticipate an increase in the volume of certain goods shipped to the Island.

2.  While the tourism season is not yet here, indicators tell us that due to requests to stay in or close to our homes, we will not see travel traffic volumes as we might have otherwise anticipated with the break of winter to spring, spring to summer.  This will ultimately impact Island businesses for whom tourism is lifeblood.  That same shortage of people and vehicles also will impact the Ferry Line, causing real concerns for the longer term.   Few people + few cars = reassessment on a regular basis. Will revenues from ferry service support a full schedule of departures, as published?  Our longer term ability to provide a multitude of departures daily is something we must seriously review as we progress into the 2020 summer.  We are as concerned as anyone, as any Island business, for what may lie ahead regarding business economic viability.

3.  Our ferry and shore crews will sanitize vessel and shore surfaces commonly utilized, touched by the public such as handrails, counters and restroom fixtures.  However, every passenger needs to be reminded to follow best practice after making contact with such surfaces (frequent hand washing, etc.) and to remain a safe distance from others as much as is possible.  Those who travel in their vehicle may consider remaining in their vehicle for the duration of the 30-minute crossing.

Upper deck, outside seating area.

Rail and screening detail, upper passenger deck.

4. We've been asked, in so many words, "Can you determine who should or who should not use the ferry?"  The answer is "No."   As a provider of public transportation (even though privately owned and managed) WIFL provides transportation open to ALL customers.  Screening each one or each group for one reason or another is not an authority we've been granted (nor do we want).  Unless so ordered by the Governor of Wisconsin, we will continue in service to the general public, and the Island community, as e have for 80 years, to the best of our ability.

5.  Our new brochures are out now with the 2020 ferry schedule and rates, effective March 20th, the same date when trips increase in number to six daily.  Our new rates reflect our discussion back in the fall of the year, before the corona virus became known.  Also, this is the first rate increase for autos made in 8 years, and for the adult passenger rate in six years.

Below are several key categories with rates that will go into effect March 20.

   Round trip pricing per auto will increase from $26.00 to $27.00
   Round trip pricing per adult will increase from $13.50 to $14.00
   Round trip pricing per child (6-11 yrs.) will increase from $7.00 to $7.50
   Round trip pricing per motorcycle will increase from $15.00 to $16.00
   Round trip pricing per bicycle will increase from $4.00 to $5.00

For information on other rate changes, such as particular freight or truck/trailer categories, please inquire at the WIFL office, or call 920-847-2546.
   
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 We have a contract with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding for a new, multi-million dollar ferry, and that work will continue apace, unless unforeseen circumstances arise (such as the corona virus debilitating members of the shipbuilding workforce).  Like many manufacturing groups, ship workers are often isolated from one another in separated work areas.  Lunch breaks and work progress meetings are held in small numbers, as per the State of Wisconsin's current guidelines for social distancing.

We appreciate the understanding of all ferry patrons, past, present and future, as we strive to meet water transportation needs.

  -  Dick Purinton     (all photos courtesy of Rich Ellefson)

Engine room looking forward, with two gensets in center covered with 
fiberglass blankets (for protection from hot work, etc.)  Bilge is open, and deck 
plates will be added at the very last, when piping access, etc., is no longer needed.

Overhead section showing insulation partly installed
Deck insulation is a fire requirement for passenger areas located
 above the vehicle deck. Shown here is the single, outboard lane for 
vehicles running fore and aft on the port side.