The following is the text of a news release from All American Marine:
(BELLINGHAM, Wash.) (Dec. 26) — All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) is pleased to announce that the Bellingham, Washington based shipyard has signed a contract with the King County Ferry District for the construction of two identical 250-passenger aluminum catamarans. The sister vessels will operate in the Puget Sound and serve water taxi routes from Vashon Island and West Seattle to downtown Seattle.
“We are honored that King County has recognized All American Marine’s ability to design and construct world-class passenger ferries that are fuel efficient, dependable, and cost-effective,” stated All American Marine CEO, Matt Mullett.
All American Marine was awarded the contract through a competitive bid process. AAM partnered with naval architecture firm, Teknicraft Design Ltd., of Auckland, New Zealand for the hull design. The vessel will be constructed in accordance to U.S. Coast Guard subchapter-K regulations. Each 105’ x 33’ vessel will feature the Teknicraft Design signature hull shape with symmetrical bow, asymmetrical tunnel, and integrated wave piercer. The vessels will be powered by twin Cummins QSK-50 tier III engines, rated 1800 bhp @ 1900 rpm.
King County will utilize the new ferries to replace the outdated 172-passenger vessels that are currently leased as part of the water taxi fleet. The design features interior seating for 250 with additional outdoor seats available on the upper aft deck. The layout of each passenger deck was configured to help streamline the boarding and disembarking process. The main deck is ADA-accessible and the cabin includes designated seating areas for families and those with disabilities. Storage Shelves will be provided for strollers and luggage and the aft deck features a staggered height bicycle storage rack with accommodation for 26 bicycles.
AAM’s Vice President of Business Development, Joe Hudspeth, remarks “Over the past 3 years we have developed a strong relationship with the King County Ferry District, which has enabled us to provide a complete design package that encompasses both the needs of the operator and what will work well for their passengers.”
All American Marine and Teknicraft Design have also been busy with other passenger vessel contracts. Earlier this year, AAM delivered an 83’ hydrofoil-assisted eco-tour boat for Harbor Breeze Cruises in Long Beach, California that will offer whale watch tours by day and dinner cruises at night. AAM also delivered a third 65’ passenger ferry for Island Packers of Ventura, California and a new 68’ monohull passenger vessel for Hornblower Cruises and Events. Currently, AAM is constructing a third 83’ hydrofoil-assisted eco-tour catamaran for Kenai Fjord tours of Seward, Alaska.
All American Marine Inc., located on the shores of Bellingham Bay, was founded in 1987 and specializes in the construction of custom tailored aluminum boats. Today, the company has become a leading builder of high speed passenger catamarans, survey craft, and research vessels. All American Marine is the exclusive builder for Teknicraft Design Ltd. catamarans in North America.
