The Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division said today it will take delivery of the new ferry, Salish, on May 12 instead of today as Todd Pacific Shipyards completes work on the 64-car vessel.

“While the contract calls for delivery on May 5, we were informed by Todd that they need an additional seven days,” said Assistant Secretary David Moseley in a news release. “The Salish performed very well during sea trials and we look forward to taking delivery of this beautiful new ferry next Thursday.”

Still needing completion is a dockside demonstration to the U.S. Coast Guard of certain tests and equipment operations, such as alarms and monitoring systems. In addition, some cleaning and touch-up painting remains to be completed. Todd will demonstrate these systems to the Coast Guard next week before a “Certificate of Inspection” is issued. The work on the Salish does not involve any unexpected or unusual issues, such as what occurred on its sister ship the Chetzemoka when vibrations were discovered during sea trials.

Todd may be assessed $5,000 a day in damages for late delivery, per the state’s contract with the shipbuilder. This determination will be part of the final settlement.

“This will be a great vessel for Washington State Ferries and the communities it serves,” said Steve Welch, president of Todd Pacific Shipyards. “Taking a few extra days to complete these tasks will ensure the vessel meets both the state and U.S. Coast Guard’s requirements.”

The Salish will restore two-boat service to the Port Townsend/Coupeville route in July.

Todd anticipates early delivery of the third 64-car ferry, Kennewick, before the end of 2011.

For more information about the new ferries, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/Ferries/64CarFerries.