Metal Shark delivers newbuild to Fire Island Ferries

(SEATTLE and BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala.) – Metal Shark has delivered Fire Island Maid to Fire Island Ferries of Bay Shore, N.Y. The newbuild, designed by Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) of Seattle, was constructed at Metal Shark’s facility in Bayou La Batre, Ala.

The 70-by-23-foot multipurpose vehicle ferry features a steel hull and aluminum superstructure and is equipped with a hydraulic ramp for loading and unloading heavy equipment. The reinforced deck is capable of supporting fully loaded concrete trucks and general cargo up to 100,000 pounds.

Elliott Bay Design Group photos

The aft pilothouse accommodates two crew and the vessel accommodates up to six passengers (assumed to be in their vehicles). The ferry is powered by twin Cummins QSL9 Tier 3 marine engines with a ZF Marine CruiseCommand control system and Twin Disc transmissions. Electrical power is provided by a Cummins Onan MDK generator. The vessel’s lightship weight is 160,000 pounds so it can be hauled with the client’s existing lift.

“We are proud to have been selected to design and provide construction oversight for Fire Island Maid,” said Joseph Cardella, EBDG project manager.

“We are excited to add Fire Island Maid to our fleet of vessels. EBDG listened and provided a more efficient structure and arrangement. I know this new ferry will make a difference for our passengers and shipping customers,” said Dave Anderson, general manager of Fire Island Ferries.

– Elliott Bay Design Group

By Rich Miller