NBBB builds 144-car Washington State ferry superstructure

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, Wash. (NBBB) has begun construction of the new 144-Car Washington State Ferry Superstructure, the shipbuilder's website said.

The Two Pilot houses are fully erect minus the mast, handrail and deck drains. The grand mod has three erected mods complete so far and another three making good progress. Construction of the superstructure is scheduled to be complete and delivered to Vigor Marine for final assembly in February 2013.

Ship's characteristics:

LOA - 362'
Breath - 83'-4"
Passenger capacity - 1500 persons
Vehicle capacity - 144 automobiles
Speed - 17 knots