Superstructure Completed for First of NYC’s New Ferries
Officials from Hornblower and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) toured the Horizon Shipyard facility Wednesday morning and received an update on construction, which is on schedule, and inspected the first completed citywide ferry superstructure. Completion of the superstructure marks a significant milestone in what will become New York City’s first citywide ferry service and one of the largest commuter ferry operations in the United States. Phase 1 of Citywide Ferry will launch in summer 2017.
Hornblower’s CEO Terry MacRae, Senior Vice President and Citywide Ferry Project Manager Cameron Clark and NYCEDC Executive Vice President Seth Myers were among the officials on the tour led by Horizon Shipyard CEO Travis Short. Also joining the tour was Chris Allard, the CEO of Metal Shark- the other shipyard building several of the 19 vessels. Currently, eight boats are under construction at Horizon Shipyard and four boats are under construction at Metal Shark.
The vessels will be equipped with the latest in 21st-century maritime technology and best design practices. Approximately 200 full-time builders between both shipyards are working on the project. Construction of the barges has been underway for several months on Staten Island. Later this year, NYCEDC will begin installation of new ferry landings for the 2017 routes.