News & Events

Freeland, Washington — Ice Floe, LLC dba Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract by the San Francisco Bar Pilots Benevolent and Protective Association to construct the organization's next-generation Station Vessel. The award represents another significant milestone for the Washington shipbuilder and further demonstrates its ability to deliver technically advanced commercial vessels for some of North America's most demanding maritime operators.

Designed by Glosten, the new vessel will serve one of the nation's most critical maritime transportation missions. Measuring approximately 110 feet in length, the station vessel is being purpose-built to support the San Francisco Bar Pilots as they safely guide commercial vessels through the challenging waters of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate. The Tier 4 diesel propulsion is designed to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and provide exceptional reliability while meeting California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions requirements. Designed for continuous offshore service, the vessel incorporates modern accommodations, enhanced seakeeping characteristics, and the endurance necessary to support around-the-clock pilot operations in one of the busiest and most demanding maritime gateways in the United States.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the San Francisco Bar Pilots safely guide nearly every deep-draft commercial vessel entering and departing San Francisco Bay. Pilots board container ships, tankers, vehicle carriers, cruise ships, and other commercial vessels approximately 11 miles west of the Golden Gate Bridge before navigating them through more than 160 miles of waterways serving the ports of San Francisco, Oakland, Richmond, Stockton, Sacramento, and surrounding terminals. The new Station Vessel will provide a modern offshore platform capable of supporting this vital public safety mission for decades to come.

The project is the result of a collaborative effort between the San Francisco Bar Pilots and an experienced team of maritime professionals. Glosten led the vessel design, bringing decades of expertise in commercial workboats, pilot vessels, and mission-specific marine platforms to develop a vessel tailored to the operational requirements of the Bar Pilots. Maritime Consulting Partners (MCP) is providing owner's representation and project management services throughout the procurement and construction process, helping guide the project from concept through delivery while ensuring the owner's objectives remain at the forefront.

Working closely with Glosten and MCP, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders will now transform the contract design into a fully engineered production package before beginning fabrication, assembly, outfitting, testing, and final delivery. The project continues the long-standing relationship between NBBB and Glosten, whose teams have successfully collaborated on numerous complex commercial and government vessel programs.

"Being selected by the San Francisco Bar Pilots is an honor for everyone at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders," said Gavin Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. "This award reflects the confidence our customers place in our people, our facilities, and our ability to execute technically demanding vessel construction programs. For more than six decades, Nichols Brothers has delivered high-performance military craft, passenger vessels, workboats, and other specialized vessels that operate in some of the most challenging marine environments. We are proud to partner with the San Francisco Bar Pilots, and Maritime Consulting Partners to build a vessel that will support one of the country's most respected pilot organizations for generations."

"The Bar Pilots are excited to enter into a partnership with Nichols Brothers Boatbuilders for the delivery of our newest station vessel," said Capt. John Carlier, President of the San Francisco Bar Pilots. "Our pilots depend on the station vessel to provide a safe and reliable transfer platform in all types of weather as well as a much-welcome place to rest, eat and recharge between jobs. This new vessel will do just that while advancing the organization's sustainability efforts, and we look forward to working closely with NBBB, as well as with Glosten and Maritime Consulting Partners, throughout the process."

Construction of the vessel will take place at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders' shipyard in Freeland, Washington, where skilled craftsmen, engineers, project managers, and production professionals will construct the vessel utilizing the company's modern fabrication facilities and quality management systems.

"Projects like this are about much more than building a vessel—they're about building careers," said Nick Zustiak, General Manager of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. "This program provides meaningful work for our welders, shipfitters, pipefitters, electricians, machinists, painters, and every skilled trade that contributes to a successful vessel delivery. It also creates opportunities for apprentices to learn alongside experienced journeymen, ensuring the next generation of American shipbuilders continues to develop the skills needed to keep our industry strong. We're excited to welcome this project into our yard and the opportunities it creates for our workforce and our community."

The Station Vessel program continues Nichols Brothers Boat Builders' tradition of constructing innovative, mission-critical vessels that serve commercial operators, government agencies, and maritime organizations throughout the west coast. The project will support skilled manufacturing jobs in Washington State while engaging a nationwide network of suppliers and marine industry partners during construction.

About Nichols Brothers Boat Builders

Founded in 1964 on Whidbey Island, Washington, Nichols Brothers Boat Builders is recognized for delivering complex aluminum and steel vessels for commercial and government customers for more than six decades. Backed by a highly experienced workforce, a modern, well-equipped shipyard, and a diverse portfolio that includes landing craft, fireboats, tugs, barges, passenger ferries, tour boats, overnight cruise vessels, car ferries, research vessels, military craft, and many other specialized vessel types, NBBB delivers innovative, high-quality vessels built to perform in demanding marine environments.