Eastern launches first of three new ferries for Staten Island
The first of three new ferries under construction for the New York City Department of Transportation’s Staten Island service is now in the water at Eastern Shipbuilding Group.
The Florida shipyard recently launched the 320-foot SSG Michael H. Ollis at its Allanton yard during a ceremony with hundreds of employees, guests and officials including Gov. Ron DeSantis. The lead vessel in the series honors an Army staff sergeant and Staten Island native who died serving in Afghanistan in 2013.
“The launch of this addition to the iconic Staten Island Ferry marks a significant milestone in the recovery of Bay County and northwest Florida. Much like the rest of Bay County, this facility and our Nelson Street facility were virtually unrecognizable after (Hurricane Michael),” Eastern CEO Brian D’Isernia said. “Through the hard work and determination of each and every ESG employee, as well as the support of our families, friends, neighbors, vendors and customers, we have rebuilt this facility in a year’s time.”
Elliott Bay Design Group of Seattle designed the 4,500-passenger, double-ended ferries. Propulsion will come from four EMD 12-710 Tier 4 engines generating a combined 9,980 horsepower, paired with Voith Schneider propellers installed fore and aft through Reintjes DUP 3000 P combining gears. Three Caterpillar C18 engines will provide electrical power.
Sandy Hook, the second ferry in the series, also is under construction and moving toward delivery. Upon delivery, the vessels will provide a modern, comfortable maritime link between Manhattan and Staten Island.
Blount Boats wins contract for two wind farm vessels
Blount Boats of Rhode Island has won a contract from Atlantic Wind Transfers to build two new crew transfer vessels to serve an offshore turbine project.
The 65-foot vessels, expected for delivery in 2020, will be based on the Chartwell 24 catamaran platform from Chartwell Marine. The vessels will incorporate innovation from similar vessels used for offshore wind projects in Europe, according to Blount Boats.
Blount Boats and Atlantic Wind Transfers partnered in 2015 on Atlantic Pioneer, the first U.S.-flagged wind farm crew transport vessel built to serve turbines off Block Island, R.I.
“As the offshore market grows, so too does the demand for American-made CTVs," said Marcia Blount, president and chief financial officer for Blount Boats. "Building vessels to Chartwell’s proven design enables us to couple European design expertise with American engineering and support the domestic supply chain as it goes from strength to strength.”
Additional details on the vessels, including propulsion components, auxiliary machinery and electronics, were not released.
Moose Boats building offshore game warden vessel
California shipbuilder Moose Boats has won a contract from the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife for a new offshore vessel for Northern California game wardens.
The 46-foot vessel, based on the M1-46 catamaran platform, will be powered by twin 625-hp Volvo Penta D11 diesel mains paired with HamiltonJet waterjets through Twin Disc gears. The vessel also will have Blue Arrow and Jet Anchor systems for stationkeeping. A second control station will be installed on the port side, aft of the cabin. The crew of up to four will have overnight accommodations and comfortable wheelhouse seating courtesy of Coast Dynamics SHOXS seats.
Raymarine will supply the electronics and navigation equipment, including four Axiom 12 screens displaying radar, autopilot, sonar and AIS. FLIR will supply a gyrostabilized thermal imaging camera. Communications equipment will include Icom, KVH, Motorola and Pyramid systems.
Upon completion, the M1-46 vessel will join Cabezon, an M2-38 catamaran built in Vallejo by Moose Boats, in the agency’s fleet.
Gladding-Hearn building launch for Associated Branch Pilots
Gladding-Hearn of Somerset, Mass., is building a new pilot boat for the Associated Branch Pilots based along the mouth of the Mississippi River. The 52.6-by-17-foot vessel, scheduled for delivery in July 2020, will be the sixth St. John’s-class vessel from Gladding-Hearn in the Delta pilots fleet.
The aluminum launch with Gladding-Hearn’s deep-V hull is a sister to Assistant, completed in 2018. Propulsion will come from twin 671-hp Caterpillar C18 diesels turning five-blade Brunton props through Twin Disc gears. A single 12-kW Northern Lights genset will provide electrical power. The top speed is estimated at 24 knots.
The vessel will be certified under Coast Guard Subchapter T to allow for up to 12 passengers. It also will have six Llebroc pilot chairs, a head and three berths. The aft deck will have a winch-operated davit for man-overboard rescues.
Metal Shark delivers two pilot launches to New Orleans firm
Belle Chasse Marine Transportation of southern Louisiana has taken delivery of two 45-foot pilot boats built by Metal Shark to serve clients operating from the Port of New Orleans.
Jet 1 and Jet 2 are built on Metal Shark’s aluminum Defiant-class platform with a unique boarding arrangement. The vessels have a rooftop boarding station as well as retractable platforms for boardings on the port side or starboard side. Lower platforms have integrated stairwells and optimized grab rails for safe boardings and retrievals. LED lighting and non-skid decks also contribute to pilot safety.
Propulsion comes from twin Cummins QSM11 diesel engines paired with HamiltonJet HJ322 waterjets capable of 40 knots. The cruise speed exceeds 30 knots. The vessels are wrapped in a urethane foam wing-collar fender.
The launches have a galley, enclosed head, ample storage and a V-berth compartment. Safety features include a swim platform, Jason’s cradle and dive platform for man-overboard rescues.
Master Marine signs contract for new pushboat
Master Marine of Bayou La Batre, Ala., has reached agreement with Houston-based Marine Chartering Associates for a 1,600-hp pushboat, with an option for a second. Delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for mid-2020.
The 67-foot vessels designed by Entech Designs will be powered by two 803-hp Mitsubishi diesels paired with Twin Disc gears and HS Marine Propulsion four-blade, stainless-steel props. Twin John Deere 4045 gensets will provide electrical power.
Schuyler will supply the fendering, and Nabrico will deliver the 40-ton deck winches. Keel coolers will come from R.W. Fernstrum, and Custom Hydraulic Components will supply the steering system. The interior will have three staterooms, two heads and a full galley.
