Teknicraft Announces Catamaran Design for Seattle

Teknicraft Design announced that it has been commissioned for the design of two 280-passenger aluminum catamarans for the King County Ferry District. 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 Teknicraft’s ability to design world-class passenger ferries that are fuel efficient, dependable, and cost-effective,” said Nic de Waal, managing director of Teknicraft.

The construction of the vessels will take place at All American Marine’s shipyard in Bellingham, WA who has built more than forty of Teknicraft’s designs in the past. The vessels will be constructed in accordance to U.S. Coast Guard subchapter-K regulations.   The 32m 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 1342 kW @ 1900 rpm.  Fully laden service speed will be 28 kn.

King County will utilize the new ferries to replace its pair of 172-passenger vessels that are currently leased as part of the water taxi fleet.  The new design features seating for 282 passengers of which 250 are interior seats.  The layout of each passenger deck was configured to ensure a streamlined boarding and disembarking process.  The main deck is wheelchair-accessible and the passenger areas include designated seating space for families and those with disabilities.  Storage areas are provided for strollers and luggage and the rear deck features a staggered height bicycle storage rack with accommodation for 26 bicycles. 

Teknicraft Design, based in Auckland, New Zealand specializes in the design of custom tailored aluminum catamarans.  The company has become a leading designer of high speed passenger catamarans, hydrographic survey vessels, and patrol craft.