Manitowoc Tapped For $120M NYC Ferry Project

In one of the most hotly contested newbuild contracts of the year, Manitowoc Company, Inc. came out on top when it was awarded a contract by the City of New York to build three Kennedy-class ferries. The new Kennedy-class ferries will measure 310 x 70 ft., and are capable of transporting 4,400 passengers and 30 vehicles. The new ferries are scheduled replace three 1965-built ferries, and will provide year-round transportation service between Staten Island and Manhattan. The ferries will feature twin pilot houses plus state-of-the-art navigation and propulsion systems.

"This contract is an excellent example of the solid growth opportunities afforded us by our strategic acquisition program in general, and more specifically, last year's acquisition of Marinette Marine," said Terry D. Growcock, Manitowoc's president and CEO. "It also continues our success in extending the reach of our shipyards beyond their traditional Great Lakes markets, while bidding and obtaining work that is ideally suited to our shipbuilding capabilities."

Tom Byrne, president of Manitowoc Marine Group, added: "The ferry contract, which is valued at approximately $120 million, will span nearly 30 months of work. We expect to build the ferries at Marinette Marine, with the first ferry scheduled for delivery in fall of 2003. Since 1944, Marinette has built more than 1,300 vessels.

The ferries, which were designed by a New York naval architect, will feature "old world" nautical aesthetics that are reminiscent of the ferries that plied New York's harbors decades ago. Material procurement and basic hull fabrication work for the first ferry will soon begin at Marinette Marine.

In addition, Manitowoc Marine Group has also received a contract from Great Lakes Dredge & Dock to build a 7,100-cu.-yd. dump scow for this worldwide dredging contractor. Work on the 7,100-cu.-yd., split-hull dump scow, which will be built by Bay Shipbuilding, is expected to begin later this fall. This vessel is the 50th vessel that Manitowoc has built for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock and continues a business relationship dating back to 1906.

The 63-ft. by 277-ft. dump scow will be constructed and ABS-certified for ocean-class service and is similar to two dump scows built by Bay Shipbuilding in 1987. Delivery of the $4.8-million vessel is scheduled for August, 2002.