Nichols Named "Maritime Man of the Year"

Citing his "outstanding leadership and vision in new ship design and construction," American Master Mariners named Matt Nichols, "Maritime Man of the Year." The award was given to Nichols, CEO of Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, by the Port of Seattle/Pacific Northwest Chapter. He was presented with the certificate of award by Captain Andrew Subcleff, president of the chapter. The Council of American Master Mariners consists of active and retired big ship masters and pilots.

"His company continues the proud tradition of maritime excellence in the Puget Sound region," Subcleff said.

Subcleff himself was a ship master and port captain for Alaska Steamship Company; later serving as a pilot for the Ports of Anchorage and Valdez before retirement. Nichols Brothers, located on Whidbey Island, presently is building two major vessels. A 44-m twin hull passenger catamaran, powered by four 12V400 Detroit Diesel engines, is under construction for Catalina Express Lines of San Pedro.

Nichols Brothers also is building the "X-Craft," a 265 x 73-ft. catamaran, which is the largest and fastest vessel ever built in the Nichols yards.

Powered by LM2500GT gas turbines and 16V595 MTU diesels. the vessel will have a top speed of 60 knots. It is being built under a subcontract from the Titan Corporation, which in turn has the contract from the Navy to develop the vessel.

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First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.