The newest vessel in the Washington State Ferries (WSF) fleet, the EBDG-designed ferry CHETZEMOKA, made its first trip on Saturday April 3rd. The vessel was towed from Todd Pacific Shipyard in Seattle to Everett Shipyard, where it will remain for the next few months undergoing final equipment outfitting and systems testing. The CHETZEMOKA is a 64-car, 750-passenger ferry, the first of the Kwa-di Tabil Class.
Washington State Ferries selected Elliott Bay Design Group to design the replacement vessels for their aging steel-electric class boats on the Keystone-Port Townsend run. Because it was a proven design suited to open water, high winds and wave conditions, WSF adopted EBDG’s existing ISLAND HOME ferry design and made modifications to fit WSF’s system.
Design changes include modifications to the hull to fit WSF terminals and slightly increased length and depth for an improved life-cycle weight margin. Internal modifications include a near doubling of fuel capacity, revised sewage system, removal of bow thrusters and lift deck, and redesign of the superstructure. One of the mezzanine passenger areas was converted to a bike holding area. The superstructure is a combination of steel and aluminum for weight savings. The propulsion system consists of two main engines, each driving a fixed-pitch propeller at either end. The steering system features a high-lift rudder for added maneuverability. The new vessel is 274 feet long with a 65-foot beam, and has a service speed of about 14 knots.
EBDG was also part of the design team that completed the Owner’s Design of the WSF 144-car ferry which the agency intends to construct.
About Elliott Bay Design Group
With offices in Seattle and New Orleans, Elliott Bay Design Group provides naval architecture, marine engineering and production support for the commercial marine industry, serving owners, operators, shipyards and government agencies across the country. Elliott Bay Design Group LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Commercial Lines Inc.
Visit EBDG on the web at www.ebdg.com.
