USA: Vigor Starts Construction of WSF’s New 144-Car Ferry

Vigor Starts Construction of WSF's New 144-Car Ferry

Vigor Shipyard has reportedly commenced the construction of a new 144-car ferry. Construction work on this vessel was agreed under a USD 147 mln agreement signed between Washington State Ferry and Vigor Shipyard on November 1.

The USD 32 million ferry design is based on the 130-car Issaquah class, which accounts for the most versatile vessel in the state fleet. Salient features of the newbuild include extra wide center vehicle tunnel that will allow 3 large trucks to be loaded side by side, long vehicle rumps to upper car deck with modest steepness, high performance rudders for improved maneuvering at slower speeds, wake adapted propellers for increased efficiency and incorporated homeland security. Additional advancements such as increased comfort for 1500 persons, better access for customers with disabilities and reduced operating costs enhance the safety and efficiency of WSF’s fleet. The vessel will be able to reach the service speed of 17 knots and it will most probably be empowered with LNG.

The Keel laying ceremony will take place in May and the delivery is scheduled for February, 2014.

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, February 9, 2012; Image: vigorindustrial