The following is the text of a news release from Vigor:
(SEATTLE) — Vigor was recently awarded the contract to build two additional all-aluminum, 400-passenger ferries for WETA (the Water Emergency Transportation Authority) in San Francisco, Calif. The hulls will be constructed at Vigor Ballard (formerly Kvichak) and the superstructure at Vigor’s Harbor Island shipyard.
“In the spring of 2015, Vigor began construction on the first two WETA ferries in this class,” said Tim Kolb, general manager of Vigor Ballard. “It’s an efficient design and very environmentally friendly. We’re extremely pleased to extend our partnership with WETA for two more vessels.”
Designed by Incat Crowther of Australia, the 135-by-38-foot catamarans will feature MTU 12V4000 M64 EPA Tier 3 engines rated at 1,875 hp at 1,800 rpm coupled with ZF7600 reduction gears as the propulsion system. An exhaust aftertreatment system will also be included.
“The four Vigor vessels will play critical roles in maintaining service reliability in WETA’s planned expansion of ferry service on the San Francisco Bay,” said Nina Rannells, WETA executive director. “Vigor has been a strong partner in our ongoing fleet renewal process. We look forward to continuing the relationship.”
Vessel features:
• Length (overall): 135 feet
• Beam: 38 feet
• Draft (maximum): 6.75 feet
• 400-passenger capacity
• Speed: 27 knots
• MTU 12V4000 M64 diesel engines
• Exhaust aftertreatment system
• Bicycle storage
