US-based Fire Island Ferries has taken delivery of a new multi-purpose vehicle ferry, dubbed Fire Island Maid, from Metal Shark.
Designed by Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG), the new 70ft x 23ft ferry was constructed by Metal Shark at its Bayou LaBatre shipyard in Alabama, US.
Featuring a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the vessel features a hydraulic ramp for loading and unloading heavy equipment.
Its reinforced deck can handle fully loaded concrete trucks and general cargo up to 100,000lb.
Furthermore, the vessel is equipped with twin Cummins QSL9 Tier 3 marine engines with ZF Marine CruiseCommand control system and Twin Disc transmissions.
A Cummins Onan MDK generator is used to offer electrical power.
The lightship weight of the ferry is 160,000lb, which enables it to haul with the client’s existing lift.
EBDG project manager Joseph Cardella said: “We are proud to have been selected to design and provide construction oversight for Fire Island Maid.”
Fire Island Ferries general manager Dave Anderson said: “We are excited to add Fire Island Maid to our fleet of vessels.
“EBDG listened and provided a more efficient structure and arrangement. I know this new ferry will make a difference for our passengers and shipping customers.”
Last December, EBDG unveiled the design of a new harbour power and charging barge.
The design is touted as a ‘cost-conscious’ option to lower emissions from large ships both pier side and at anchor.
