Ferry design contracts for Seattle partnership

摘要

Elliott Bay Design Group reports that its successful 1993 design contract for the Christine Anderson ferry has resulted in Pierce County's request for a second similarly designed vessel. The new double-ended ferry will replace the County's aging Steilacoom, built in 1936. The new vessel, designed to be nearly identical to the Christine Anderson, will alternate with or be used in tandem with Christine Anderson as demand increases. The boat will run between Steilacoom, on the mainland, and Anderson and Ketron islands in Puget Sound. The new ferry features the same capacity of 54 vehicles and transit speed of 13 knots as the Christine Anderson. It is 65.8m long with a beam of 20.7m. The vehicle deck is divided into six lanes with a centreline casing. The vehicle deck has sufficient height capacity and deck load capability to carry maximum sized trucks and trailers. Propulsion power is to be provided by two EPA emissions-compliant 1050bhp Caterpillar 3512 diesel engines, each independently driving a CP propeller at each end. Bow and stern rudders are independently controlled for enhanced safety and manoeuvrability.