PacifiCat Series
Encyclopedia
The PacifiCat Series or Fast Cat fast ferries were operated from 1999 to 2000 by BC Ferries
. They were sold in March 2003 to the Washington Marine Group
for $19.8 million CAD. Two of the three ferries were used for service; the third one was delivered as the Fast Cat operation was abandoned. Washington Marine Group announced on July 28th, 2009 that they had sold the 3 ships to Abu Dhabi MAR for an undisclosed amount. Abu Dhabi MAR is a luxury yacht builder known for converting two Royal Dutch Navy frigates into luxury yachts. Abu Dhabi MAR has announced plans to operate the vessels as passenger and car ferries between several destinations on the Persian Gulf.
BC Ferries
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. or BC Ferries is a de facto Crown Corporation that provides all major passenger and vehicle ferry services for coastal and island communities in the Canadian province of British Columbia...
. They were sold in March 2003 to the Washington Marine Group
Washington Marine Group
Seaspan Marine Corporation provides marine-related services to the Pacific Northwest. Within the Group are three shipyards, an intermodal ferry business, and a tug and barge transportation company that serves both domestic and international markets. Seaspan Marine Corporation is part of the...
for $19.8 million CAD. Two of the three ferries were used for service; the third one was delivered as the Fast Cat operation was abandoned. Washington Marine Group announced on July 28th, 2009 that they had sold the 3 ships to Abu Dhabi MAR for an undisclosed amount. Abu Dhabi MAR is a luxury yacht builder known for converting two Royal Dutch Navy frigates into luxury yachts. Abu Dhabi MAR has announced plans to operate the vessels as passenger and car ferries between several destinations on the Persian Gulf.
Fleet
- PacifiCat Explorer - launched 1998
- PacifiCat Discovery - launched 1999
- PacifiCat Voyager - launched 2000, but never commissioned
- Builder: Catamaran Ferries International of Vancouver BC (owned by BC government)
- Length: 122.71m
- Passengers: 1,000
- Speed: 37 kts
- Power: 33,500 HP