Elliott Bay Design Group has been awarded a multiple-phase project to design a new freight and passenger ferry for Massachusetts-based Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Steamship Authority (SSA).
“We were looking to replace our oldest vessel, the Governor, with a more versatile vessel by the spring of 2016," said Wayne C. Lamson, general manager for the SSA. "We selected EBDG because we felt they provided the best option in helping us to meet this goal based on their design team’s experience."
The single-ended 235' vessel will have a passenger capacity of between 384 and 512, and a car deck that will accommodate 50 standard vehicles or 10 tractor-trailer vehicles. The vessel will have a target speed of 16 knots and will include a bowthruster. The vessel arrangement will feature twin side casings with walk-on passenger access, interior passenger spaces on the passenger deck, crew accommodations and a pilothouse above.
The proposed ferry will provide service between the Massachusetts mainland, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. The contract with SSA includes a preliminary design study, design validation, contract design, shipyard bid assistance and construction support.
"We're pleased to be partnering once again with the SSA," said Brian King, EBDG vice-president of engineering. "We previously designed the 255' Island Home for them, and look forward to helping ensure that the new ferry will also have a very successful, long-term run."
Active in passenger vessel design since its inception, EBDG has worked for ferry operators across the country and has offices in Seattle, New Orleans and Ketchikan, Alaska,
