Twin Catamaran Ferries Head to the Coast
For the first time in the yard's history we delivered two vessels on the same tide — a matched pair of aluminum passenger catamarans, built side by side and handed over together to run a coastal commuter service. Delivering them as a set was a test of our expanded capacity, and the boats passed it.
A matched pair, built together
Building two identical hulls in parallel is its own discipline. Frames, fit-out, and systems all have to come together in step so the boats are true sisters — interchangeable in service, identical at the helm for crews who may move between them. Our expanded covered bays made it possible to run both builds together rather than one after the other.
Comfort for the commute
A commuter ferry has a different job than a workboat — it carries people who want to arrive unbothered. Twin wave-piercing hulls and a high bridgedeck keep the motion gentle in the morning chop, wide side decks make boarding fast at every stop, and a quiet, efficient propulsion package keeps the operator's running costs down over a full timetable.
Delivering two on one tide is a milestone for the yard — and proof the new bays are doing exactly what we built them to do.
Both vessels cleared trials together and departed under their own power for the coast. The route opens to passengers later this season.
More Dispatches
Pilot Boat Delivered to the Bar
A new self-righting pilot boat heads to a working bar crossing, built to put pilots aboard ships in any weather.
100ft Crew Transfer Vessel Hits the Water
The latest Gulf fleet addition exceeded contract speed by four knots during sea trials.
Apprenticeship Program Welcomes a New Class
Aluminum boatbuilding is taught at the bench. Our new apprentice class begins learning the trade hands-on.