The following is text of a news release from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding:
(SOMERSET, Mass.) — Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corp., has delivered Circle Line Liberty, the sixth new sightseeing vessel for Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Inc. in New York City.
Like the earlier vessels, the new 599-passenger all-steel vessel, designed by DeJong and Lebet N.A., in Jacksonville, Fla., measures 165 feet in length and features a 34-foot beam.
With a top speed of 14 knots, Circle Line Liberty is powered by twin Cummins QSK-38M1 diesel engines delivering a total of 2,600 hp. The engines are connected to ZF W3355 gearboxes spinning 60-inch, five-blade bronze propellers. For dockside maneuvering, the vessel is equipped with a 125-hp Wesmar bow thruster powered by an electric motor. Two 140-kW John Deere generators supply the ship’s service power. The vessel carries 8,200 gallons of fuel and 4,000 gallons of potable water.
The pilothouse is equipped with port and starboard wing stations in addition to the centerline helm.
The cabins are equipped with very large double-glazed windows for views of the New York City skyline in any weather. With a total capacity for 599 passengers, the interior accommodations include space for loose seating and tables for 275 passengers in the main cabin. The second deck provides space for seating and tables for another 200 passengers indoors and outside seating for 88 passengers.
Aft of the seating is a bandstand for live entertainment. Aft of the pilothouse on the third deck is outdoor seating for 84 passengers under a fixed canopy. The cabins are arranged for significantly improved concession areas, three cocktail bars and a wheelchair-accessible head. Heating and air conditioning are supplied by a 271,000-BTU diesel-fired boiler and six 10-ton water-cooled chillers.
The crew room, located below the main deck, is outfitted with storage cabinets, a refrigerator, shower and head, and walk-in cooler.
