EBDG was contracted by Whatcom County to complete the design of a replacement ferry for the Whatcom Chief. This project consisted of multiple phases. Phase 1 included visits to the vessel and interviews with the staff as to operational and maintenance issues and desires. From this we determined the appropriate capacity (vehicles and passengers) for the new vessel based on projected ridership demands, terminal and environmental constraints, cost considerations and operational characteristics. We then developed a preliminary general arrangement and completed a sizing report.  Phase 2 was the Contract Design which included submission to the USCG for approval. Construction was put on hold pending funding.

EBDG developed a high-level comparison of three replacement vessel alternatives for Whatcom County’s Lummi Island Ferry. Vessel alternatives included different vehicle capacities and propulsion systems, including conventional diesel, diesel battery hybrid and diesel-electric hybrid. Our team analyzed effects of vessel alternatives on sailing schedule, passenger capacity, and crew requirements. We also provided estimated construction and operation costs for each alternative. Whatcom County Public Works reviewed the analysis and decided to move forward with a diesel battery hybrid ferry. EBDG has completed the contract design of the double-ended ferry with the alternative fuel choice.