Seattle-based Kitsap Transit is anticipated to receive $1.2 million toward the design of an electric-powered fast ferry demonstration and shoreside charging infrastructure, it was announced Sept. 18.
The grant adds to the $4 million Washington state Legislature grant that is expected to fund the design of the demo ferry, envisioned by Kitsap Transit as “a scaled-down version” of the Glosten and Bieker Boats-designed 150-passenger foil vessel.
The vessel demonstration seeks to show the technology’s viability, which if successful could pave the way for the first all-electric hydrofoil fast ferry to be in service on Puget Sound, according to the transit agency.
Kitsap has said that it intends to pursue federal funding for the effort.
“We will need federal funding in order to build the foil ferry and bring this vision of zero emission ferry travel to fruition,” Kitsap Transit Executive Director John Clauson said. “We look forward to the design and construction of this demonstration vessel and hope it will spur excitement at the federal level to support this type of innovation in maritime transport.”
Seattle-based Glosten, Anacortes, Wash-based Bieker Boats and Kitsap Transit, which is based in Bremerton, Wash. are leading the foil ferry project with support from Washington Maritime Blue, the Port of Anacortes, Port of Bellingham and Port of Skagit.
“This is a reliable, ultra-efficient, low-wake vessel designed to be better for passengers and the environment,” Bieker Boats foiling boat designer and partner Paul Bieker said. “We achieved this by combining hydrofoil technology developed in the America’s Cup with lightweight carbon fiber composite construction and modern zero-emissions propulsion equipment. This technology represents a giant step forward in efficiency for high-speed transportation over water.”
