Glosten completes hybrid ferry design for Kitsap Transit

(SEATTLE) — Glosten, a Seattle-based naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy, has completed a 150-passenger-only hybrid ferry design for Kitsap Transit, a public transportation agency based in Bremerton, Wash.

"Glosten has designed a modern and efficient passenger vessel that will meet the demands of our riders," said Kitsap Transit Executive Director John Clauson. "As a public agency, at the end of the day, it's all about the people. We are confident that this new addition to our fleet will serve the people of the Puget Sound region for many years to come."

The Glosten team worked closely with Kitsap Transit to create a ferry customized for Sinclair Inlet, but flexible enough to meet future needs. Passenger comforts were of particular importance to this design and include a variety of passenger spaces with lots of natural light, a unique ADA-accessible bow, and a spacious passenger cabin and sun deck. This vessel features an efficient aluminum catamaran hull, ADA access throughout the main deck, and two BAE HybriDrive propulsion systems driving fixed-pitch propellers.

William Moon, Glosten project manager and design lead, commented on the propulsion system of the 70-foot vessel: "Outfitted with a battery-diesel hybrid propulsion system, the vessel will operate like a Prius — no more diesel exhaust and noise while passengers load and unload."

This new hybrid electric passenger ferry is the first in Puget Sound, and will be constructed at Bellingham-based All American Marine. It is expected to carry over 350,000 passengers annually.

By Professional Mariner Staff