All American Marine (AAM) has been awarded a contract to build a high-speed, long-range, eco-tour vessel for Phillips Cruises and Tours. The vessel will operate in Whittier, Alaska, upon completion.
The 84'6"x30.7' semi-displacement aluminum catamaran hull was designed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design, Auckland, New Zealand. The vessel will be built in AAM’s facility on Bellingham Bay and is scheduled for delivery by May 1, 2024. The new passenger vessel will add to the Phillips Cruises fleet of boats that operate in Prince William Sound on daily sightseeing tours.
The new tour boat will be Coast Guard-certified Subchapter T. With a fuel capacity of 1,200 gals., the fuel-efficient design will be assisted by a fixed aluminum hydrofoil, enhancing its speed and stability at high speeds.
The propulsion package includes four MJP 350X waterjets, powered by four Scania DI16 082 engines, rated at 800 hp each. Cruise speed is 32 knots, fully loaded.
The 150-passenger vessel will be integral to Phillip’s high-speed tour options for visitors to Prince William Sound. The vessel is designed to enhance the onboard customer experience with top of the line amenities and provide improved comfort throughout their journey.
“We knew that All American Marine was the best option out there when it came time to add another quality vessel to our fleet, and this project is sure to do just that," Bob Neumann, owner, 26 Glacers, a subsidiary of Phillips Cruises and Tours, said in a prepared statement. "The communication during the project scoping, design, and initial engineering analysis has been excellent. We are excited to improve our guests’ experiences and keep our company operating efficiently and environmentally friendly. AAM is helping make our long term goals a reality."
The new sightseeing vessel integrates the signature Teknicraft Design symmetrical and asymmetrical combined hull shape, bow wave piercer, and a patented hydrofoil-assisted hull design. The hull and hull components are designed to break up wave action and ensure reduced drag while enhancing passenger comfort.
Teknicraft said its hydrofoil-assisted hull design is proven to have industry leading low-wake wash energy and fuel economy. The main foil action reduces the power needed to maintain service speed, therefore fuel consumption and running costs are reduced significantly, Teknicraft said.
The hydrofoil system consists of the main foil spanning the tunnel at the keel, forward of the center of gravity position and two cantilever-type stern foils. The lift produced by the hydrofoil reduces the hull resistance, while increasing speed and load-bearing capability, said Teknicraft.
Ron Wille, All American Marine President and COO. “We are excited to add to the 26 Glaciers fleet and to provide a superior passenger experience for their customers for years to come," Ron Wille, All American Marine president and COO, said in a statement.
The hull shape was custom designed using digital modeling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis testing from Teknicraft. The vessel’s design offers all passengers and crew a smooth ride and optimal comfort, as the unique hull provides a cushioned effect when encountering waves.
The vessel will have 150 fully enclosed seats with tables between two decks with dual pane windows, as well as exterior seating and standing room for nature viewing.
Interior amenities include high-quality Beurteaux seats and electrical outlets with USB plugs at every table. The entire main deck, including the bow, has wheelchair access and the main deck cabin includes wheelchair-designated seating locations. Passengers can also enjoy refreshments from a full galley and bar in the main deck cabin.
