Eastern delivers new ferry for Long Island Sound

(PANAMA CITY, Fla.) — Eastern Shipbuilding Group has delivered Long Island (ESG Hull 228), a newly constructed passenger and auto ferry, to the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Co., a subsidiary of McAllister Towing.

The 302-foot vessel, designed to provide seamless transportation between Bridgeport, Conn., and Port Jefferson, N.Y., across Long Island Sound, is the latest addition to the company’s fleet.

“This delivery is a proud moment for our team,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO and chairman of Eastern Shipbuilding Group. “It represents our strong partnership with McAllister Towing and our dedication to enhancing the infrastructure for Long Island’s residents and visitors. The Long Island will be a critical asset, delivering safe, reliable service and embodying our commitment to quality and innovation.”

Eastern Shipbuilding Group photo

The new vessel is engineered to accommodate both vehicles and passengers with state-of-the-art features, including EPA Tier 4-compliant main engines, increased crew capacity, and an upgraded furnishings package. The ferry joins two other Eastern-built vessels in the fleet: P.T. Barnum (1999) and Grand Republic (2003), solidifying Eastern’s longstanding relationship with McAllister Towing, which has commissioned over a dozen vessels from the shipbuilder.

“P.T. Barnum, the founder of the ferry, once said that the noblest art is that of making others happy,” said Buckley McAllister, president of the ferry company. “All of those who have worked to make the ferry service what it is today can be very proud of their role helping drivers on I-95 and the Long Island Expressway. Eastern Shipbuilding has provided our company with over a dozen high quality vessels and transformed the maritime services we can offer. We are very thankful to Eastern Shipbuilding and the D’Isernia family for the happiness this new vessel will bring to our employees and customers for generations to come.”

The addition of Long Island will enable a consistent three-vessel schedule during peak travel periods, enhancing the capacity and reliability of service across Long Island Sound.

– Eastern Shipbuilding Group

By Professional Mariner Staff