Miller Boat Line awards contract for new ferry

Submitted by MILLER BOAT LINE
PUT-IN-BAY – Miller Boat Line has awarded Elliott Bay Design Group of Seattle with a design contract for a new passenger/vehicle ferry to supplement their current operation servicing the Lake Erie Islands. The ferry will be roughly 140’ in length with a carrying capacity of 26 standard vehicles and up to 600 passengers. The vessel will be ADA accessible and will feature Tier 3 propulsion technology.

Special attention was given to design a vessel that enhances onboard passenger comfort and improve the loading and discharge times of both vehicles and passengers. The new vessel will be more maneuverable than Miller’s current vessels, and better suited to handle large loads in inclement weather.

“We are thrilled to partner with Miller Boat Line as they invest in the future of their operation and ridership,” said Brian King, Principal in Charge and Chief Engineer for Elliott Bay Design Group. “Our team of skilled marine engineers and naval architects are dedicated to delivering a vessel that meets the requirements of Miller Boat Line.”

“EBDG offered a thorough, well thought-out approach to our operational needs, addressing every aspect of our desired vessel outcome,” said Jacob Market, vice president of resources for Miller Boat line comments. “The initial design offered by Elliott Bay Design Group was very much in line with our goals and we look forward to working with their team.”

The ferry line has experienced consistent traffic growth since its last vessel, the “PUT-IN-BAY,” was built in 1997 and lengthened to 136 feet in 2010. “Demand has increased steadily over the past few decades, and it is time for us to add another boat to our fleet instead of lengthening another vessel,” said Bill Market, co-owner of Miller Boat Line.

Miller Boat Line, Inc. operates passenger/vehicle ferries from Catawba Point, Ohio to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) and Middle Bass Island in Lake Erie’s Western Basin. Miller ferries transport hundreds of thousands of passengers and vehicles each year, and are the lifeline to the resort islands. The company was established in 1905, and is family owned and operated.

For information, visit millerferry.com.