Phillips Cruises and Tours of Anchorage, Alaska, has taken delivery of an 84.5-foot high-speed catamaran from All American Marine that will carry tourists into scenic Prince William Sound.
The aluminum-hulled Chugach Express was designed by naval architect Nic de Waal of Teknicraft, which is based in Auckland, New Zealand. The design features a dynamic hydrofoil and symmetrical and asymmetrical combined hull shape along with wave-piercing bows.
“Teknicraft’s hydrofoil-assisted hull design is proven to have industry leading low-wake wash energy and fuel economy,” All American said in a prepared statement. “The main foil action reduces the power needed to maintain service speed. Therefore, fuel consumption and running costs are reduced significantly while enhancing the ride’s softness, especially in choppy seas.”
Propulsion on the 150-passenger vessel comes from four 800-hp Scania D116082M engines driving MJP 350X waterjets. Other components include MJP controls, two Kohler generators, Beurteaux seating and a Bostrom helm chair. Furuno supplied the cutting-edge navigation electronics.
“With the delivery of the Chugach Express from All American Marine, we’re thrilled to embark on this new chapter for our business,” Casey Neumann, managing partner of Phillips Cruises and Tours, said in a statement.
The company plans to operate Chugach Express from Whittier, about an hour’s drive from Anchorage, on the western edge of Prince William Sound. The long-range vessel is capable of 32 knots, and its interior is equipped with modern comforts and a full galley and bar.