BMT has supported the design and build of over 150 high-speed catamarans and pioneered the design and development of high-speed passenger ferries since the early 1980s. The company’s renowned expertise in low wash ferry design was a priority for Kitsap Transit, along with good seakeeping to ensure passenger comfort during spells of more inclement weather on Puget Sound.

Working in collaboration with US shipyard Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB), the BMT design reduces cabin noise by minimising the overlap of the passenger and engine compartments and utilising the latest in noise attenuation materials. The vessels will achieve a top speed of 37 knots and a cruising speed of 35 knots.

The bow and side loading vessels will accommodate a maximum of 255 passengers on board with protected storage capacity for 26 bicycles. Mooring and passenger loading arrangements have also been optimised to improve turnaround times. Serving Pier 50 in Seattle, with routes out to Kingston and Southworth, the ferries will provide an integral transit link for hundreds of commuters per day and will come into operation in 2020, with an option for a third to be added to the fleet.

John Bonafoux, Business Development Director for Commercial Shipping at BMT commented on the signing of the consultancy’s latest contract: “It’s fantastic to win this contract for the newest addition to the Kitsap Fast Ferry service fleet in Seattle, Washington. BMT is a highly-skilled team made up of specialised naval architects, engineers and technology experts, and are amongst the best equipped to deliver efficient, safe and technologically advanced passenger ships such as this. Once again, we’ll be working with the great team at the Nichols Brothers yard for this Fast Ferry project, and we’re all looking forward to seeing the first of these two exciting new vessels hit the water in January 2020.”