Cable Ferries
EBDG can point to a broad range of cable ferries ranging in size and operational complexity that we have designed and provided engineering services throughout the years.
BAYNES SOUND CONNECTOR
EBDG was selected by British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. as part of a team to design a cable ferry system, including a vessel, terminals and cable system for service between Buckley Bay on Vancouver Island and Denman Island in the Strait of Georgia. EBDG's responsibilities included the vessel design of a 50-Car cable ferry with an overall length of 78.5 meters and a maximum displacement of 1050 MT. The vessel is equipped with two machinery spaces each of which is outfitted with Caterpillar C-18 engines in a diesel-electric configuration with enough power to drive the hydraulically controlled cable drive wheels. Its cable route is approximately 1,900 meters.
The vessel was designed and constructed to Transport Canada regulations and Lloyd's Classification. This unique design involved detailed dynamic modelling of the cable interactions, model testing, and computation fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis prior to the design of the vessel. EBDG collaborated on separate aspects of the design to meet the schedule for construction, and then provided support to BC Ferries during construction and commissioning.
BUENA VISTA
EBDG was selected to design a cable-guided electric ferry for service across Oregon’s Willamette River at Buena Vista. The electric ferry replaces a diesel-powered version which had been in service for more than 50 years. The vessel measures 63' in length, 31.6’ beam and a depth of 4’. This new, more environmentally sound ferry is all welded steel, constructed in an inland barge style, with capacity for 49 passengers and six vehicles.
DANIEL MATHENY V
Working with Otak Inc., EBDG was selected by Marion County and Oregon Department of Transportation to design a replacement vessel for the DANIEL MATHENY IV for operation on the Willamette River, servicing Marion and Yamhill Counties at Wheatland, Oregon. The new vessel had to conform to most of the same criteria as its predecessor, especially the ability to travel upriver through the locks. It is guided and restrained at the ferry site by a high wire on the upriver side and underwater wire on the downriver side. EBDG also served as Owner's Representative for vessel construction. The DANIEL MATHENY V carries commuters, farm machinery and vehicles, cyclists, and the occasional pedestrian that would otherwise have to travel many miles up or downstream to find the next available crossing.
Montana Cable Ferries
EBDG was contracted by Helena, Montana-based Morrison-Maierle, Inc. to design this 50' cable ferry for the Montana Department of Transportation. Three vessels were built to this design. Design features include a steel hull and deck with wood house and rails. This project, the replacement of three historic river ferries along the Missouri River in Montana, has been recognized by the Montana chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies. The Missouri River Ferry Rehabilitation Project won an Honor Award at the Montana chapter’s annual engineering competition.