Alaska tour operator acquires fast catamaran

Phillips Cruises and Tours of Anchorage, Alaska recently took delivery of a new fast aluminium catamaran built to a design by New Zealand-based naval architecture firm Teknicraft Design.

Chugach Express will operate daily in Prince William Sound and will be based out of Whittier.

Constructed to US Coast Guard (USCG) Subchapter T classification standards, the vessel has a length of 84.5 feet (25.7 metres), a beam of 30.7 feet (9.35 metres), seating for up to 150 passengers on two decks, and a fuel capacity of 1,200 gallons (4,542 litres). The design incorporates a dynamic aluminium hydrofoil, enhancing speed and stability.

The catamaran is also equipped with a propulsion package consisting of Marine Jet Power waterjets powered by quad Scania DI16 082M engines rated at 800 hp (596 kW) each. This configuration delivers a fully laden cruising speed of just over 32 knots.

Amenities include a full galley and bar on the main deck cabin.

The entire main deck including the bow has wheelchair access and the main deck cabin includes wheelchair-designated seating locations.