Key West, Fl.-based Yankee Freedom has ordered a new, high-speed catamaran ferry from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation for passenger service on the 70-mile run between Key West and Dry Tortugas National Park.
The all-aluminum vessel will replace Yankee Freedom III, a 250-passenger catamaran built by the Massachusetts-based shipyard in 2012.
The new larger vessel, designed by Incat Crowther, will measure 112.5 feet by 31.6 feet at the beam, and will draw 6.9 feet with a deadweight of 29.5 tons.
A pair of MTU 12V-4000M65R EPA Tier 4-compliant diesel engines – each delivering 2,000 Bhp at 1,600 rpm and turning Ni-Br-Al propellers – will have gas treatment capability and connect to twin ZF model 800 gearboxes.
The ferry will also be equipped with an Atlantic Detroit Diesel-Allison, 80kW EPA-approved genset.
Top speed will exceed 28 knots and a Humphree active interceptor ride control system will be installed to control vessel pitch and roll.
Multiple solar panels will be mounted on the roof to produce 24-volt D/C electricity stored in batteries and converted to power the vessel’s running lights and the pilothouse’s electronics.
Accommodations in the main cabin include seating for 130 passengers, tables, a snack bar and storage room, and an audio/visual passenger information center.
On the aft deck will be an open, partially-covered area with four passenger heads, a shower area, and stowage for kayaks and camping gear.
A two-level platform and handrails also will be installed on the open bow deck for passenger viewing.
The second deck includes the pilothouse forward, followed by an enclosed cabin with seating and tables for 60 passengers and exterior seating for 72 passengers aft.
Additional outside seating for 40 passengers will be located on the third deck.
A 180,000 Btu HVAC system will heat and cool the cabins and pilothouse and the new ferry will feature many of the environmental features required by the National Park Service, such as zero discharge of black and grey wastewater, and zero-VOC vinyl marine film instead of paint on the catamaran’s exterior.
According to Gladding-Hearn, delivery of Yankee Freedom IV is planned for 2026.