MARCH 7, 2013 — Alaska Native owned and operated CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation is making investments in its Seward-based Kenai Fjords Tours operation and at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge.

CATC has committed to the construction of a new 83 ft, 150-passenger catamaran for its Seward-based Kenai Fjords Tours operation to add to its 12-vessel fleet, with delivery anticipated in early 2014.

Designed by Teknicraft of New Zealand and constructed by the All American Marine shipyard in Bellingham, WA., the new vessel will join two sister ships, the Aialik and Orca Voyagers.

The ships' design offers stability, spacious seating, two wrap-around viewing decks, oversized, fog-free windows and LCD video monitors. A hydrofoil wing helps lift the catamaran up out of the water, decreasing drag, increasing fuel economy and creating a smaller boat wake.

"All of Kenai Fjords Tours' vessels are custom-built for viewing Alaska wildlife and glaciers," said Paul Landis , CATC president and chief operating officer. "We wanted to develop the optimum vessel combining an unparalleled viewing experience with passenger comfort."

According to Teknicraft, the new vessel will offer low fuel consumption at high cruise speed, and will be a sister ship of Orca Voyager, shown in the photo.

Specifications:

Length (OA): 25.3 m (83.0 ft)
Beam: 8.9m (29.2 ft)
Draft 1.1 m (3.5 ft)
Engines: 2 x Caterpillar C32 ACERT
Rating: 1,081 kW(1,450 bhp) @ 2,300 rpm
Propulsion: Propellers
Speed: 28 knots (service), 32 knots (max)
Passengers: 150
Construction: Aluminium