VIDEO: Kitsap Transit takes delivery of first of two BMT-designed cats
Written by Nick Blenkey
Enetai displays nimble maneuverability and superior responsiveness owing to its latest generation of waterjet drives and design emphasis on lightweight construction. [Image: BMT]
Recently delivered to Kitsap Transit of Bremerton, Wash., the Enetai is the first of first of two 140-foot (42.6-meter) high speed catamarans built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB), Freeland, Wash., under a design and construction contract awarded in December 2018. NBBB partnered with BMT of Southampton, U.K., for the vessel design.
According to Nichols Brothers, the 255-passenger Enetai out-performed design expectations during vessel trials.
Kitsap Transit’s design requirements for the passenger-only Enetai and its sister vessel included a bow-loading configuration to utilize Washington State Ferries (WSF) existing downtown Coleman dock in downtown Seattle. Speed requirements called for a minimum 35-knot cruising speed to allow for efficient route scheduling not to interfere with WSF’s existing schedule.
During vessel trials the Enetai exceeded 40 knots, bettering the speed expectations by three-knots bringing up the cruising speed to 38 knots at full load.
The vessel’s Naiad active ride control system ensured a smooth comfortable ride at the high-speed.
In addition to the 255-passenger capacity, the vessel accommodates 26 bicycles, a must for Seattle commuters.
Built to USCG subchapter K regulations, Enetai is powered by two MTU Tier IV 16V400M65L main engines each putting out 3,435 HP @ 1,800rpm, through ZF 9050 gears, turning Kongsberg S71-4 waterjets. It is among the first ferries to feature a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) exhaust after treatment system
“This new design incorporates the latest in exhaust after-treatment technologies, leading to a significant reduction in the emissions of NOx and Sox, thus paving the way for more environmentally friendly fast passenger ferries worldwide,” said Sylvain Julien, Director of Naval Architecture at BMT,
The Enetai‘s sister vessel, Commander, is due to be delivered later this year,
