BMT has signed a contract to provide two 43-meter (141-foot) high-speed, passenger ferries to Kitsap Transit. The contract comes with an option for a third vessel to be added.
BMT said it would again partner with U.S. shipyard Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) to deliver the custom design project that will add to Kitsap Transit’s Fast Ferry service in Seattle, Wash.
“It’s fantastic to win this contract for the newest addition to the Kitsap Fast Ferry service fleet in Seattle. BMT is a highly skilled team made up of specialized naval architects, engineers and technology experts, and are amongst the best equipped to deliver efficient, safe and technologically advanced passenger ships such as this. Once again, we’ll be working with the great team at the Nichols Brothers yard for this Fast Ferry project and we’re all looking forward to seeing the first of these two exciting new vessels hit the water in January 2020,” said BMT Business Development Director for Commercial John Bonafoux.
The bow and side loading vessels will accommodate a maximum of 255 passengers on board with protected storage capacity for 26 bicycles. BMT notes that mooring and passenger loading arrangements have also been optimized to improve turnaround times.
The aluminum, high-speed vessels will have a top speed of 37 knots, a cruising speed of 35 knots and are being built to comply with the United States Coast Guard regulations. Once delivered, the vessels will serve Pier 50 in Seattle with routes out to Kingston and Southworth. The ferries will provide an integral transit link for hundreds of commuters per day once delivered and in operation in 2020.
BMT explains that particular attention for this high-frequency, water transportation service has been paid to passenger comfort. An air conditioning system will keep the passenger cabin cool in the summer and warm in the winter. In addition, the vessels are designed to reduce cabin noise by minimizing the overlap of the passenger and engine compartments and utilizing the latest in noise attenuation materials.
“We are renowned for our expertise in low wash ferry design, which was an important requirement for Kitsap Transit. Good seakeeping is also prioritized to provide comfortable motions for customers during spells of more inclement weather on Puget Sound,” said BMT.