Gemini and Pisces

Crisp, dramatic red-and-white wedges in profile, these aluminum catamarans are among the greenest and most technologically advanced ferries yet built. Their San Francisco Bay operating environment demanded quiet operation, minimal wake, and emissions 85 percent lower than EPA’s 2007 standards. An array of luxury amenities such as onboard WiFi and bicycle racks with a freshwater rinse help to attract the Bay Area’s demanding commuters. As WETA’s marine engineering manager said, “To get Californians out of BMWs and into a boat I had to make the boat quite luxurious.”

Quick glance:

LOA - 118 ft/36 m
Beam - 29 ft/8.8 m
Draft (max load) - 6 ft/1.8 m
Passenger capacity - 149
Propulsion - 2 x 1410 BHP diesel
Operational speed - 25 mph/40.5 kmph

Client: Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA)
Partner: Kvichak Marine Industries
Delivery: December 2008/March 2009