Nichols Bros to build superstructure for second WSF ferry

SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 — Vigor Industrial subsidiary US Fab’s Seattle shipyard will again partner with Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Wash., to build a second 144-car Washington State ferry. Nichols Brothers has been contracted for fabrication of the superstructure, including the Grand Block consisting of all structure above the lower vehicle deck, including the ramps to the upper vehicle deck, and outfitting of each pilot house of the double ended ferry. Nichols Brothers will deliver the Grand Block on a barge to US Fab for final assembly in November 2013.  

The vessel is the second to be built in the Olympic Class for Washington State Department of Transportation’s Ferries Division. Construction of the first vessel is currently underway at both US Fab and Nichols Brothers facilities.  
Construction of the superstructure of the second ferry will commence in December 2012 following the delivery of the first structure to US Fab.

The vessel is a double ended passenger automobile ferry for 1,500 passengers and 144 vehicles. The vessel characteristics are as follows:  

Length Overall   362 ft 3 in
Length Waterline   335 ft 0 in
Beam Molded   83 ft  2 in
Depth Molded, Main Deck  24 ft 6 in
Design Draft   16 ft 5 in
Propulsion Plant   3,000 BHP x 2
Flag  United States