BMT to design new Kitsap Transit fast ferries

Written by Nick Blenkey

Teddington, U.K., headquartered BMT has announced the signing of a contract for two new 43 meter (104’ x 37’’ x 12.5’) high-speed, passenger Fast Ferries for Kitsap Transit, with an option for a third to be added to this vessel fleet.

The ferries will be built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Freland, Wash., and will operate on Kitsap Transit’s Seattle fast ferry service once built.

“It’s fantastic to win this contract for the newest addition to the Kitsap Fast Ferry service fleet in Seattle, Washington,” said John Bonafoux, BMT’s Business Development Director for Commercial Shipping. “Once again, we’ll be working with the great team at the Nichols Brothers shipyard 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.”

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.

They will have a top speed of 37 knots and a cruising speed of 35 knots.