Glosten completes design of new hybrid passenger vessel for Kitsap Transit

“> Glosten, a Seattle-based naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy, has announced the completion of a 150-passenger-only hybrid ferry design for Kitsap Transit, a public transportation agency based in Bremerton, Washington. “Glosten has designed a modern and efficient passenger vessel that will meet the demands of our riders,” said Kitsap Transit executive director, John Clauson. “As a public agency, at the end of the day it’s all about the people. We are confident that this new addition to our fleet will serve the people of the Puget Sound region for many years to come.” The vessel features an aluminium catamaran hull, ADA access throughout the main deck, and two BAE HybriDrive propulsion systems driving fixed-pitch propellers. Glosten project manager and design lead, William Moon, commented on the propulsion system of the 70ft vessel. “Outfitted with a battery-diesel hybrid propulsion system, the vessel will operate like a Prius – no more diesel exhaust and noise while passengers load and unload.” This new hybrid passenger ferry is the first in Puget Sound, a sound along the northwestern coast of the US state of Washington, and will be constructed at Bellingham-based All American Marine. It is expected to carry over 350,000 passengers annually.