A firm of Hampshire naval architects has won a contract to design four river ferries for the US.

BMT Nigel Gee (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group, in partnership with sister company BMT Designers & Planners, will design four 26.3m catamaran passenger ferries for the Potomac Riverboat Company.

Kai Skvarla, president of BMT Designers & Planners, says the Potomac routes are part of a $2 billion project to renovate a mile-long section of the river beside Maine Avenue, Washington DC, in a bid to revitalise water transport in US cities.

BMT Nigel Gee’s experience and proven designs in the fast, low wash ferry sector was a key factor in their selection.

The vessels have been developed based on a proven BMT Nigel Gee hull form and will be powered by two Scania Marine Di 13 engines plus two FP propellers, providing a service speed of 22 knots. The ultra-low wake design provides is aimed at providing maximum comfort and low impact at relatively high speeds.

The vessels, to operate daily, will carry up to 149 passengers between the US capital, Maryland and Virginia.

The boats will be made by Louisiana shipyard Metal Shark.

BMT Nigel Gee, is also working on a 85m steel-hulled catamaran RoPax ferry for the Strategic Marine company, a subsidiary of Triyards Holding Limited.

The ferry will be used by Scottish ferry operator Pentland Ferries to link the Orkneys with the Scottish mainland.

It is hoped that the vessel will enter service in summer 2018 replacing the Pentalina.