Passenger Ferry News

A ceremony attended by dignitaries has marked the official ‘birth date’ for the two new ships which will serve the Penzance to Isles of Scilly route for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG).The keel laying is a milestone in the build process, recognized for centuries as the ‘birth’ of a new ship and an important point for the Scillonian IV passenger ferry and the cargo vessel, Menawethan.Guests attended Piriou’s shipyard in Vietnam on November 6.,2024 to officially mark the moment, while dignitaries from Britain and France were all present.

New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has released an interim report into the grounding of the passenger ferry Aratere in Titoki Bay, Picton, on June 21, 2024, citing lack of knowledge about the steering system.The Aratere had been in service for about 26 years, and in May 2024, KiwiRail installed a new steering control system in four of the five command consoles on the bridge. It wasn’t installed on the autopilot console, which was part of the original track pilot integrated bridge navigation system by a different manufacturer.

New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has released its report into the collision between the passenger ferry Waitere and the recreational vessel Onepoto in Paihia, Bay of Islands, on April 13, 2023.The Onepoto collided with the passenger ferry Waitere, known locally as the Blue Ferry, while the ferry was on its way from Russel to Paihia.The TAIC report describes catastrophic damage to the Waitere, which later sank. The Waitere's master was seriously injured, but its 19 passengers were largely uninjured.

Panama City, Fla. based shipbuilder Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) on Friday announced it has officially cut first steel for the new Fisher Island Ferry, Falcon, at its Allanton Facility.The Elliott Bay Design Group-designed auto and passenger ferry will be constructed at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities and is expected for delivery in Spring 2026. The 152-foot (loa) vessel will have capacity for up to 30 cars and 150 passengers.In attendance for the steel cutting were members of the Fisher Island Community Association, Inc.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has unveiled nearly $300 million in grants from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law aimed at transforming and expanding ferry systems across the United States. This substantial investment will support the modernization of ferry services, which are vital for millions of Americans.Each year, ferries facilitate approximately 56 million trips nationwide, playing a crucial role in transporting people and goods…

Kitsap Transit, a public transit operator serving Kitsap County, Wash., announced it will receive $13.5 million in federal funding toward the purchase of a new fast ferry that would replace one of its oldest vessels on its Kingston/Seattle route.The funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration’s Passenger Ferry Grant program and covers nearly 80% of the project’s $17.5 million cost. Kitsap Transit said it will contribute about $4 million in local dollars to the project.“This…

Crewmembers aboard a Washington State Ferries vessel helped to rescue three boaters and a dog after their small vessel capsized near Bremerton, Wash.The crew aboard Jumbo-class ferry Walla Walla rescued a person and a dog near the Bremerton terminal Tuesday evening, according to WSF.The ferry crew treated the victim for hypothermia and chest pains before transferring care to emergency medical technicians on shore, the operator said.Two additional victims were saved by the U.S.

Navalrocha Shipyard reported growth in key target markets, including LPG and Product Carriers, after recording one of its strongest ever half-year performances.With more than 30 projects delivered to date, Navalrocha is on course for another record-breaking year having completed projects with wide variety of commercial ships. In particular, the Lisbon yard is ramping up activity to support Iberia’s growing offshore renewables sector having serviced a range of Offshore Support…

Angel Island Tiburon Ferry (AITF), in California, has tapped New-Zealand-based EV Maritime to design a plug-in hybrid electric vessel for its fleet in the San Francisco Bay Area. The project, which will also see the electrification of two existing AITF vessels, has been funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The hybrid ferry will be designed and engineered by EV Maritime with electrical integration provided by ZeroMar, a local company in the Bay Area.“This new vessel will be plug-in hybrid…

The 2024 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea is to go to two sets of nominees: the captain and crew of the oil tanker Marlin Luanda for containing a fire after the ship was struck by an anti-ship missile; and the captain and crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya for their rescue of six shipwrecked people from four different vessels during a hurricane.Nominations were initially reviewed by an Assessment Panel and their recommendations were considered by a Panel of Judges, who ultimately selected the recipients of honors.

The Government of Bermuda’s Marine and Port Services has taken delivery of the 700-passenger ferry Bermudian after a major refit at Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding. Engineering and project management were jointly handled by the Somerset, Mass. shipyard and Propulsion Data Services, and class oversight by Lloyd’s Register.Among the myriad items to be removed, repaired or replaced, the hull received repairs as required by class and repainted, with a goal of extending the life of the 37-year-old vessel an additional 15 years…

Golden Gate Ferry will build a fleet of eight new hybrid vessels to improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions from its San Francisco Bay Area commuter ferry service.Electrical contracting company McKay on Monday announced it has been appointed by naval architecture firm Aurora Marine Design to serve as the electrical systems integrator for the Liwa Class newbuild program, which will commence in early 2025 to retire and replace Golden Gate Ferry’s existing fleet of with a series of eight new 50.5-meter-long…

DNV and Artemis Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the development, certification, and operation of electric foiling vessels. The signing took place at the Posidonia trade fair.Electric vessels have been trialled in many countries, demonstrating significant benefits, including reduced emissions to air, quieter operation, and regulatory compliance. Now, companies are adding an additional element - the use of hydrofoils – which promise even greater levels of efficiency and passenger comfort.

Singapore’s Majestic Fast Ferry Pte Ltd has commissioned Incat Crowther to design a new second generation 39-m passenger ferry as the basis of its future fleet. Incat Crowther’s range with PT Cahaya Samudra covers four vessels lengths; 29-, 32-, 39- and 42-m.

“Each Career Connect Washington program is codeveloped with businesses and educators, so each program we build or expand meets the needs of industry and students.” -Andrew Clemons, Grant Administrator, State of Washington.In March, the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation announced a new workforce development webpage – for electric vehicle job opportunities.A centralized focus, especially from the top, is a big help for an industrial sector looking for tens of thousands of smart and talented people.

ABB has been selected by Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) to supply a comprehensive grid-to-propeller solution for the new double-ended, hybrid-electric ferry that will provide essential services between the town of Lincolnville and the island community of Islesboro in the United States.ABB’s scope of supply covers the hybrid-electric propulsion and energy storage system. ABB’s Onboard DC Grid power distribution system will ensure optimal use of energy sources, while…

Finnish state-owned energy company Gasum has been selected by shipping company Wasaline to manage its EU Allowances (EUA) portfolio.The partnership will enable Wasaline to better predict and manage the costs of its emissions allowances, according to the company.The EU emissions trading system has included the maritime sector since the beginning of this year.Outsourcing their emissions trading and EUA portfolio allows shipping companies to both manage and predict their costs.Gasum…

Austal Limited announced Austal Vietnam has been awarded a contract to design and construct a 71-meter roll-on-roll-off (RORO) passenger cargo vessel for The Degage Group of French Polynesia.The new steel monohull ferry design includes an aluminium superstructure accommodating up to 140 seated passengers and 17 crew, and features a main cargo deck area of 494 square meters; capable of transporting a combination of 10- and 20-foot containers, palletized cargo and vehicles.With a cruising speed of 12 knots and a range of 1…

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on Wednesday announced the availability of $316 million to support and modernize passenger ferry service in communities across the country.Ferry transit is a critical mode of transportation in many regions throughout the United States. Across the country, there are approximately 3 million ferry riders each month.“I have seen firsthand how, for many Americans in many different parts of the country, ferries are the best and sometimes only way to get where they need to go,” said U.S.

Gibraltar ship repair yard Gibdock announced the appointment of John Barnard as its new Commercial Director.Barnard brings to the role over 15 years of experience in the shipbuilding and repair business, with a career marked by diverse roles, encompassing technical, commercial and production functions across both defense and commercial markets.A graduate from the University of Southampton with a Masters in Ship Science in 2008, Barnard began his career as a naval architect at Cammell Laird in the U.K.

Construction on a new passenger ferry, designed by Incat Crowther for Western Australian ferry operator Rottnest Fast Ferries, has commenced at Austal Philippines.The new ferry will operate on the popular Perth to Rottnest Island tourism route with the 32-meter aluminum catamaran set to have an operational capacity of up to 400 passengers and five crew seated over three decks. The vessel will also feature extensive cargo and luggage space for passengers, including bicycle storage areas on the main and mid decks.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) won a contract to build a new auto and passenger ferry for the Fisher Island Community Association, Inc. (FICA) in Florida. The vessel will be built at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities and is expected for delivery in Spring 2026.“Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) delivered the vehicle passenger ferry HERON to the Fisher Island Community Association, Inc. (FICA) over 20 years ago, and we understand that she has been the most reliable ferry in their fleet.

On Friday, March 8, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) christened its new ferry in Galveston Bay.Named for the first female chair of the TxDOT and first Latina Secretary of State, Esperanza “Hope” Andrade, the vessel was designed by the The Shearer Group and built by Gulf Island Fabricators in Louisiana.Stretching 293 feet, the double-ended ferry showcases cutting-edge propulsion technology and pioneering battery energy storage systems.The ferry is outfitted with diesel-powered and electrical engines and Siemens Energy’s BlueDrive PLUSC power and propulsion system…