John Bonafoux News

BMT announced the signing of a contract for two new 43 metre (104’ x 37’’ x 12.5’) high-speed, passenger Fast Ferries for Kitsap Transit, with an option for a third to be added to this vessel fleet. The custom design project will once again see the UK engineering design consultancy partner with US shipyard Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) and will join the Kitsap Fast Ferry service in Seattle once completed. John Bonafoux, Business Development Director for Commercial Shipping…

BMT has announced the launch of a striking new hybrid ferry design which could pave the way for a cleaner, more cost-efficient energy option for ferry operators. At 31m, the 149-passenger ‘Eco Ferry’ has a top speed of 20 knots and offers an unrivaled, intelligent hybrid system delivering smooth, silent and vibration-free power. John Bonafoux, Managing Director at BMT explains. “Greener ferry systems have to be   the future and we’re extremely excited to be launching this new hybrid design.

The first of two new 48-meter patrol boats for the Qatar Coastguard has completed sea trials. BMT has partnered with ARES Shipyard (ARES) to design and build 17 patrol boats from advanced composites in 36 months – 18 months ahead of schedule. The latest in the series – the 48-meter ARES 150 HERCULES has just completed sea trials with the vessel achieving a maximum speed of 37 knots. The total order from the Qatar Ministry of Interior, Coastguard has comprised of three different vessel sizes: five of 24 meters, 10 of 34 meters and two of 48 meters.

BMT Group subsidiary BMT Nigel Gee has secured a new contract with sister company BMT Designers & Planners and Louisiana based shipyard Metal Shark for two 32m high speed/low wake wash, 149-passenger aluminum catamaran ferries for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA). BMT Nigel Gee will be responsible for concept through to production design with BMT Designer & Planners providing local U.S. presence and design engineering support. John Bonafoux, BMT Nigel Gee’s Managing Director…

BMT Nigel Gee (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group, has announced its latest contract in partnership with sister company BMT Designers & Planners, for four 26.3m catamaran passenger ferries, destined for operation with Potomac Riverboat Company. BMT has worked extensively with Potomac Riverboat Company to develop the concept for the new vessel and continues to support the project with production engineering to the selected builder. BMT Nigel Gee’s experience and proven designs in the fast, low wash ferry sector was a key factor in selection.

BMT Nigel Gee (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, and an independent naval architecture and marine engineering design consultancy, is celebrating its latest achievement in securing its 1,000th project which will involve the delivery of detailed production engineering for a ferry machinery conversion. John Bonafoux, Managing Director of BMT Nigel Gee commented, “Reaching our 1,000th project is a massive achievement. Our first ever project seems such a long time ago now, but I still remember it well.

BMT Group subsidiaries BMT Asia Pacific and BMT Nigel Gee have been appointed to provide vessel design consultancy services to the Hong Kong government. The contract, awarded by the Hong Kong Marine Department following a competitive tender, includes provision for the design and specification of up to seven new composite patrol vessels for the Harbor Patrol Section. BMT said its experience in the design and specification of a wide variety of craft (GRP/steel/aluminum alloy) and hullforms (monohull/catamaran) delivered over the last decade was key in securing the contract…

BMT Nigel Gee, a subsidiary of BMT Group, an international design, engineering and risk management consultancy, has announced expansion activity at its offices in Southampton to meet a large increase in design work. Operating across four principal market sectors, the naval architectural practice delivers design and engineering services for specialized vessels in the large yacht, commercial, defense and offshore energy markets. John Bonafoux, Managing Director of BMT Nigel Gee said…

BMT Nigel Gee Ltd, a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, celebrates 25 years of innovative vessel design this year. Established as Nigel Gee and Associates Ltd in June 1986, by Nigel Gee and John Bonafoux, the company is recognized as one of the world’s leading naval architecture and marine design consultancies. The company has designed numerous high speed passenger catamaran ferries, including the world’s fastest passenger ferry and expanding into the yacht, naval and offshore oil and gas sectors.

The North American high speed ferry market has been slow to develop compared with other areas such as Australia, Europe and the Far East. However, recent developments show the U.S. market is gathering momentum - not only in respect of the number of orders, but also with regard to the speed and sophistication of the ferry designs. This trend was emphasized when, in September 1997, one of the world's largest high speed ferry operators, Buquebus, placed a contract with Derecktor Shipyards in Mamaroneck, N.Y. for a high specification, 300 passenger ferry with a maximum speed of more than 50 knots. The specification for the ferry required a maximum contract speed of over 50 knots and a high level of seakeeping and passenger comfort.

Derecktor Shipyards is putting the finishing touches on a 134.5 ft. high-speed catamaran for the Woods Hole Steamship Authority at the yard's facility in Mamaroneck, N.Y. Delivery is slated for May of 2000. The other bidders for the contract included Dakota Creek Shipyards, Halter Marine and Pequot River Works. The Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket Steamship Authority, the oldest of its kind in the U.S., provides the only year-round passenger and vehicle ferry service to the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Service is provided from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven, and Hyannis to Nantucket. Seasonal service is also provided from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard.

Nigel Gee and Associates Ltd., has been acquired by British Maritime Technology Ltd (BMT). With Nigel Gee’s mix of military, commercial and yacht design expertise, this acquisition will enhance the portfolio of services BMT offers to clients. Roger Swann, Chief Executive of BMT, said: ‘I believe this acquisition will strengthen our capability in both the high speed shipping and defence sector. Nigel Gee and Associates Ltd is an extremely innovative design company and I am confident it will make a significant contribution to BMT.’ Nigel Gee will remain as Managing Director and John Bonafoux as Technical Director. Roger Swann and Peter French, BMT Operations Director (Europe & The Far East), have joined the Board as a director and Chairman respectively.