Burger launches third boat for Chicago tour operator

Burger Chicagosemeraldladycopy
Ferries 7
Burger Boat Co. built the 98-foot Chicago’s Emerald Lady for Chicago’s First Lady Cruises.

The following is text of a news release from Burger Boat Company:

(MANITOWOC, Wis.) — Burger Boat Company has launched Chicago’s Emerald Lady, a new passenger vessel for Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. The cruise line, which operates the No. 1 ranked tour in Chicago according to TripAdvisor user reviews, has been inspiring guests with the most authentic showcase of Chicago’s rich architectural history for 27 years.

This is the third passenger vessel Burger has built for the company. Chicago’s Emerald Lady follows in the line of Chicago’s Classic Lady and Chicago’s Leading Lady.

The 98-foot U.S.-made steel vessel can serve up to 250 passengers and is designed by Mark Pudlo, principal, Seacraft Design in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Chicago’s Emerald Lady is built with energy-efficient Caterpillar engines providing a sustainable option that lowers emissions.

“We have built a great relationship with Burger over the years, and they have once again delivered a quality vessel that will provide an enjoyable and comfortable experience for our guests and a reliable addition to our fleet,” said Holly Agra, president of Chicago’s First Lady Cruises. “The new vessel offers comfortable open-air top deck seating with plenty of space for social distancing, providing official Chicago Architecture Foundation Center River Cruise guests with 360-degree views of our city’s storied skyline. Burger’s commitment to building a high-quality vessel goes hand in hand with our commitment to continually improving the cruise experience for our guests.”

“Burger is focused on developing long-lasting, collaborative partnerships that lead to truly extraordinary experiences on the water,” said Jim Ruffolo, president and CEO, Burger Boat Company. “We love building for Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, as they share our mission of building a memorable, unique experience for their guests.”

Chicago’s Emerald Lady

Builder: Burger Boat Company
Designer: Seacraft Design
Owner: Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
Length: 98’
Beam: 32’
Maximum draft: 5’
Main propulsion: (2) Caterpillar C9.3, 375 hp @ 1,800 rpm
Ship’s service power: (2) Caterpillar C4.4, 75 eKW
Marine gear: ZF 360, 2.48:1
Propellers: Michigan Wheel 38-by-28-inch four-blade nibral
Speed: 11 knots
Hull construction: Steel
Crew/passenger capacity: 299
Fuel: 4,000 gallons
Water: 1,050 gallons
Holding: 1750 gallons
Classification/certification: USCG Subchapter K

By Professional Mariner Staff