Kvichak Marine Industries, USA, received the 2009 WorkBoat significant boat award at the WorkBoat tradeshow held in New Orleans at the end of 2009.
The 'Gemini' is a 36-metre high-speed catamaran built in partnership with Nichols Brothers Boat Builders for the Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) located in San Francisco.
'Gemini' is the first of four vessels for WETA, which incorporate many environmentally friendly features, including low wake wash and shallow draught hulls to reduce the vessels impact on the shoreline and ocean bottom.
The engine exhaust system is treated by a compact SRC system bringing the emission 85 percent below the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2007 Tier II requirements. This system is also effective in reducing particulate emission. The engines operate on a blend of biodiesel and ultra low sulphur diesel.
Sisterships the 'Pisces' and 'Scorpio' were also delivered in 2009. 'Taurus' is scheduled for delivery in April 2010.
