Kvichak Wins Ferry Order

Kvichak Marine Industries, a Vigor Industrial Company, was recently awarded a contract by the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), San Francisco, CA for the design and construction of two all-aluminum 400 passenger-only ferries. 

“The whole Kvichak team is incredibly proud to have been selected to build WETA’s two new state-of-the-art ferries, said Keith Whittemore, President of Kvichak Marine Industries. “We will build two great boats that will serve the citizens of the Bay Area for decades.”

The new vessels will replace two of WETA’s 12-vessel fleet that are approaching the end of their expected life. “The Vessel Replacement project is part of the ongoing fleet renewal process, which will enable WETA to provide reliable service across our system and enhance our customers’ experience when traveling or commuting across the Bay,” said Nina Rannells, WETA executive director. “We look forward to working with Kvichak to enhance our fleet of passenger ferries.”

Designed by Incat Crowther, Australia, the 135’ x 38’ all-aluminum catamarans will feature MTU 12V4000 M64+ EPA Tier III engines rated 1950 BHP @ 1830 RPM coupled with ZF7600 reduction gears as the propulsion system. An exhaust after treatment system will also be included. 

Kvichak awarded Nichols Brothers Boat Builders the subcontract to provide the bolt-on superstructure for the project. From 2007 to 2010, the two companies collaborated on the delivery of four 118’ environmentally friendly ferries to WETA which are currently in service in the San Francisco Bay area. 

The vessels will be the 700th and 701st vessels built by Kvichak and are anticipated to be in service the summer of 2017.

Additional vessel features include:
•    Length (overall): 135’
•    Beam: 38’
•    Draft (max): 6.75’
•    400 passenger
•    Bicycle storage
•    MTU 12V4000 M64+ diesel engines
•    Speed: 27 knots
•    Exhaust After Treatment System