VIDEO: All American Marine launches hybrid electric cat for Kitsap Transit

Written by Nick Blenkey
image description

Waterman is second electric hybrid ferry built by All American Marine

The All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) shipyard in Bellingham, WA has completed construction of what will be the first hybrid electric passenger ferry to operate on Puget Sound.

Designed by Glosten, Seattle, the 150 passenger aluminum catamaran Waterman has been built for Kitsap Transit and will operate during peak times on Kitsap’s Bremerton-Port Orchard or Bremerton-Annapolis routes. It is the second hybrid electric vessel built by All American Marine, its first was the 128 ft x 30 ft monohull tour boat Enhydra, delivered to San Francisco’s Red and White Fleet in September last year (see earlier story).

The 70’ x 26’ USCG Subchapter T certified Waterman features twin BAE Systems HybriDrive propulsion systems driving fixed pitch propellers. Each HybriDrive system includes a generator, propulsion power converter, house load power supply and control system.

“The hybrid system is fully automated, assessing the power loads, both hotel and propulsion loads, and manages the entire system,” said Matt Mullett, All American Marines’ President & CEO.

BAE Systems’ revolutionary HybriGen system requires lower engine operating hours and is more streamlined than a conventional drive, requiring fewer parts, resulting in savings in both fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

The vessel will also operate nearly silently while under battery power when passengers are loading and unloading.

The Glosten team worked closely with Kitsap Transit to create a ferry customized for Sinclair Inlet, but flexible enough to meet future needs.

Passenger comfort was of particular importance and the design includes a variety of passenger spaces with abundant natural light, a unique ADA-accessible bow, and a spacious passenger cabin and sun deck.

“We are proud to build advanced hybrid-electric vessels, such as the Waterman and working with visionary partners, such as Kitsap Transit, Glosten and BAE Systems to develop and construct the boat of the future,” Mullett said. “All American is at the forefront of the decarbonization movement in the maritime industry, and the lithium-ion hybrid electric propulsion system on the Waterman is another example of our progress.”

Categories: News, Video Tags: , , , , ,