Elliot Bay Design Group (EBDG) which is famous for its naval architecture and production support services has designed a new electric Buena Vista vessel which will be replacing the old diesel powered vessel. It has already started ferrying people, vehicles and goods across Willamete river at Buena Vista in Oregon. The vessel was given to operator Mario County in May after being manufactured by Diversified Marine of Portland, Ore.
The ferry has a unique system in which electricity helps in the rotation of propellers which are on the flanks of the vessel. EBDG Project Manager Mike Complita said that the vessel is made of welded steel and appropriate attention has been given to the shallow river conditions. He further added that it is built keeping in mind due environmental consideration and is yet cost effective.
James Jennings of EBDG’s Seattle office helped in keeping track of vessel’s construction with his sound structural engineering skills. The vessel has a horsepower of 80bhp, maximum deadweight of 80,000 pound and with an overall length and breadth of 99’0” and 38’0” respectively, it can easily carry six vehicles and 49 passengers.
The simplistic no fuss design of ferry by EBDG was funded through federal stimulus package and is not the first one as another ferry named The Wheatland ferry was also designed by EBDG. Currently, there are three more similar kind of ferries operating on Willamette river.
Via: Maritime Executive
