Raleigh, NC, U.S.A. (Nov. 20, 2020) In December 2018, Kitsap Transit, headquartered in Bremerton, WA, ordered two new 250-passenger vessels from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB). These vessels will provide expedient commuter services to downtown Seattle from both Kingston, WA and a planned Southworth, WA route. Mackay Marine was selected to be a part of this team to provide premier marine electronics systems, technologies, and expertise.
Images courtesy of Esperanza Studios, Felipe Esperanza
These bow-loading fast ferries, built by NBBB at their Whidbey Island, WA shipyard, are state-of-the-art, low-wake vessels. The M/V ENETAI was delivered in September 2020. Its sister vessel, M/V COMMANDER is slated for delivery by mid-2021, depending on the impact of Covid on production.
Mackay Marine equipped the vessel with a fully integrated navigation and communications package for these vessels, facilitated by their diverse and longstanding global vendor partnerships.
The primary navigation suite seamlessly incorporates electronics from Furuno USA and Navico (Simrad). The bridge is comprised of dual sets of Next Generation Furuno FAR2218BB X-Band Radars and the Navico NSSevo-3 Chartplotter System with built-in sounder. A Navico GC85 Gyrocompass, designed for fast ferry operation, integrates heading and position data, alongside a Navico P3007 Satellite / GPS Compass for full redundancy.
Multiple vessel identification and camera systems ensure enhanced security and safety, particularly critical in heavily trafficked waterways. Systems onboard include:
• Furuno FA170 Automatic Identification System (AIS) provides local visual target detail to both radar and chartplotter.
• An Axis Communications Q3515-LVE IP-based HD CCTV camera system with Image Stabilization,
combined with multiple outdoor and overwatch cameras via the Axis NVR; transfers imagery to the
Furuno MU190 19” monitor at the vessel’s conning position.
• The FLIR M617CS Stabilized Thermal/Visible Camera enables infra-red (IR) viewing of external video
traffic during daily transits around Puget Sound.
• A Furuno 200WX Weather System offers real-time weather updates.
Images courtesy of Esperanza Studios, Felipe Esperanza
The communications portfolio also blends equipment from multiple Mackay partners. Each vessel is outfitted with Zenitel’s Phontech ETB series Docking Station and SPA series PA (Public Address) System for docking and passenger notifications. A Wireless GSM MOFI – 4500, 4G/LTE wireless router, enhances cellular coverage while transiting the Salish Sea. Additional comms includes a Cobham SAILOR series 6222 Class A DSC VHF radio; two Standard Horizon Quantum GX6000 fixed-mount VHF radios for multi-channel monitoring of local maritime traffic, together with Kahlenberg’s KB-30A Electronic Horn/Hailer to alert nearby vessels.
Both catamarans are outfitted with productivity & safety-enhanced electronics enabling Kitsap Transit to efficiently expand their routes within the Puget Sound region. Nichols Brothers and Mackay Marine are proud to have partnered with Kitsap Transit to ensure the best possible transportation for their customers.
About Mackay | Mackay Communications, Inc.® (dba Mackay Marine) sells, installs, and services communication and navigation equipment on board vessels of all class and size. Mackay, in business for over 135 years, has 3,000+ customers spread over every continent, annually conducts 17,000+ service calls, employs 325 seasoned professionals, with locations in more than 43 major ports. Mackay World Service coordinates service, installation, and inspections 24/7 for all ports, worldwide.
For more information visit:https://www.mackaymarine.com
About Kitsap Transit | Kitsap Transit has been operating friendly, convenient public transit since 1983. We pride ourselves on providing a reliable service to Kitsap County’s commuter base and a sustainable, green travel option for the environmentally conscious. Whether you are catching a bus for work or taking a scenic ferry trip, we strive to create enjoyable experiences for our riders. Specialized services are available for commuters and for qualified elderly and disabled riders.
For more information visit:https://www.kitsaptransit.com/
About Nichols Brothers Boat Builders | NBBB is a complete new-build shipyard with a full-service repair facility located along Holmes Harbor of Puget Sound in Washington State. NBBB has over 55 years’ experience serving the maritime industry. NBBB diverse profile of new-build projects including the Kitsap Transit vessels can be found on their website at www.nicholsboats.com
Media Contact
Sue Ellen Rosen – Director of Marketing
Mackay Communications, Inc.® sueellen.rosen@mackaycomm.com
+1 919 850 3014
