67
MARCH 2026
PHOTO: FRS CLIPPER
F
RS Clipper, who offers Seattle’s 
only whale watching tour from 
downtown, has launched Em-
erald Clipper. The vessel will begin 
operating tours in May.
The 103ʹ catamaran features two 
expansive, wind-protected viewing 
decks, allowing guests to be outside in 
all weather conditions. Those sitting 
indoors will be able to view wildlife 
through floor to ceiling windows. 
The ship will also include a galley 
serving hot meals and a dedicated nat-
uralist station where passengers can 
learn about Pacific marine life. 
The aluminum vessel will be pow-
ered by quad Scania Di16-082M 
588bkW and will also include a ZF 
665 gearbox, Hamilton HTX42 wa-
terjets, and Kohler generators. Com-
bining improved fuel efficiency with 
a cruising speed of over 32 knots, the 
vessel will be able to quickly respond 
to reported whale sightings. The ceil-
ing and paneling on the vessel are by 
PVA member Aryes.
Built by PVA member Mavrik Ma-
rine, Inc. in La Conner, Wash., the 
vessel combines advanced design with 
passenger comfort and efficiency. Em-
erald Clipper will replace the compa-
ny’s current whale watching vessel, the 
MV San Juan Clipper. 
The vessel was transported from 
Mavrik’s facility to launch site at the 
Port of Skagit in La Cooner, Wash., 
by a self-propelled hydraulic dolly 
system. Once rigged to a stationary 
heavy lift crane and a crawler crane, 
the vessel was lifted and walked to the 
shoreline where the cranes swing the 
vessel over the channel and lowered it 
into the water. 
After being secured to two tugs the ves-
sel was towed to the marina dock where 
Mavrik completed the commissioning 
checklist before commencing sea trials 
prior to delivery to FRS Clipper. 
MEMBER NEWS
FRS Clipper Launches New State-Of-The-Art 
Whale Watching Catamaran 
Ferry Experts
Panama City   •    Allanton    •    Port St. Joe
sales@easternshipbuilding.com
850-763-1900

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