Marine Log - March 2009 - (Page 12) Update Hawaii Superferry needs deadline extension Hawaii Superferry’s Alakai completed a two-week maintenance, inspection and U.S. Coast Guard re-certification process last month at Pacific Shipyards International’s facility at Honolulu Harbor. Upon completion the high-speed ferry returned to service along its interisland route. But Alakai could soon see its service interrupted again if state lawmakers don’t amend legislation passed in 2007 that allowed the ferry service to operate while an Environmental Impact Statement was conducted by the Hawaii DOT. Two bills curently in the state legislature, SB 989 and HB 1171, would extend the deadline beyond its May 7 cut off date to June 2010. The time extension will allow Hawaii Superferry to operate while lawmakers have more time to review the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). INLAND • COASTAL • OFFSHORE • DEEPSEA WETA’s Gemini is delivered he Gemini, the first in a series of four commuter ferries, was delivered to the San Francisco Bay Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA). The ferry has a total propulsion power of 2,820 hp supplied by two MTU 16V2000 M71 main engines, which were designed to operate on blended fuels, making the Gemini an environmenally friendly vessel. Designed by Incat Crowther of Australia and built by Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Whidbey Island, Wash., and Kvichak Marine Industries, Seattle, Wash., the Gemini can T travel at speeds of 25 knots and has room for a total of 149 passengers, with cabin seating for 122 passengers and main deck seating of 28. The passenger-friendly vessel has space for 34 bicycles, wide aisles and high-speed internet. The second ferry in the series, the Pisces, is expected to be delivered sometime this month. In the meantime, the third and final vessels are undergoing construction and are expected to be delivered by the end of this year. Gemini will operate the San Francisco to Alameda/Oakland and Tiburon route. 12 MARINE LOG MARCH 2009 www.marinelog.com http://www.marinelog.com
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