MaineDOT awards $8.8 million ferry contract

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) has awarded Washburn and Doughty a US$8.8 million contract for the construction of a new Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS) vessel.

The 46.9-metre vehicular and passenger ferry was designed by naval architects Gilbert Associates.

Designed to be able to serve any of the MSFS island communities (Vinalhaven, North Haven, Islesboro, Swans Island and Frenchboro) other than Matinicus, the vessel will have three main deck lanes, for a capacity of 23 cars or a mix of cars and trucks and 250 passengers.

The company was one of five bidders – and the only Maine shipbuilder – that submitted a proposal.