Nichols Bros. To Build Catamaran For Service On San Francisco Bay

The Alameda/Oakland Ferry Service on San Francisco Bay ordered a new 315-passenger catamaran ferry from Nichols Bros. Boatbuilders. Measuring 112 x 33 ft. (34.1 x 10 m), the catamaran, which is being designed by International Catamarans of Australia, is expected to go into service in the fall 2001.

The vessel will become the newest member of Nichols-built catamarans that are currently operating between the Alameda area and the San Francisco ferry terminal, as well as other landings by the Alameda/Oakland ferry service. Expected to operate at a maximum loaded speed of 26 knots over its regular 6.5-mile route on the Bay, the vessel will be powered by KTA 38 Cummins engines operating at 1,190-hp driving standard propellers.