WSF to sell Steel Electrics for scrap

The Seattle Times reports that Washington State Ferry System has agreed to sell its four veteran Steel Electric ferries to Environmental Recycling Systems (ERS) of Seattle. The company will dismantle them in Mexico for scrap.

ERS will pay the state $500,000, plus 10 percent of the recycling revenue, expected to be about $200,000. ERS will have to pay the cost of towing the boats to Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico. The state has said the boats can't be used for passenger service, but must be dismantled, said ferries spokeswoman Marta Coursey.

The sale has not closed and ERS must remove the boats within 45 days of the closing.

The state also announced it has received an offer from Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District to buy the two idled passenger-only ferries, the Chinook and Snohomish.

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