Gladding-Hearn Delivers New Bermuda Ferry Contract

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, has delivered two new fast ferries to the Government of Bermuda, Ministry of Transport. The first vessel was delivered in March; a sister ship arrived in Bermuda in June. The ferries provide commuter and excursion service between Bermuda’s capital, Hamilton, and the neighboring towns of Southampton and Dockyard. The Somerset-Mass., shipyard was chosen from among 12 yards from four countries, Australia; Norway; Denmark and the U.S., that competed for the project. Designed by Incat Designs, Sydney, Australia, the 250-passenger ferries are part of new “seamless” transportation system involving integrated docks for bow loading and electronic tickets that are compatible with the government’s bus system, explained government officials. Each all-aluminum vessel measures 84 ft. (27.72 m) long, 30 ft. (9.2 m) abeam, and draws 5.3 ft. (1.6 m).

The two ferries are powered by twin Detroit Diesel 12 V-2000 engines, each delivering 965 Bhp (720 BkW) at 2100 rpm. They drive 5-bladed Ni-Br-Al (nickel-bronze-aluminum) propellers via Twin Disc 2.5:1 reverse/reductions gears. When fully loaded the vessels reach a top speed of 25 knots. The main cabin of each vessel seats 110 passengers, while another 98 passengers can seat on the partially-covered upper deck. Passengers board and depart the vessels through doors- port and starboard at midship and at the bow. Interior accommodations include upholstered seating, a concession, two heads, and a 150,00 Btu air conditioning system. The vessels are classed to Lloyds Register of Shipping.