The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has contracted Derecktor Shipyards, Mamaroneck, N.Y., to build a 70' catamaran ferry to serve Sapelo Island. Construction is scheduled to begin before year-end at the shipbuilder’s Dania Beach, Fla., yard.
Designed by Chartwell Marine, Southampton, U.K., the 150-passenger ferry will operate between Meridian Dock on the mainland and Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island in McIntosh County, Ga. It will transport residents, researchers and visitors, along with cargo, building materials, everyday supplies and scientific equipment.
The newbuild will become the island’s primary ferry, with the existing state-operated vessel retained as a reserve. Contract value, propulsion specifications and a delivery date were not disclosed.
“For the people who live here, the ferry is about much more than transport. It brings babies home for the first time, provides a way off the island when a tropical storm approaches, delivers everyday supplies and brings loved ones home to their final resting place,” said Fred Hay, Sapelo Island manager. “It’s more than a boat; it’s an important part of life on Sapelo.”
Chartwell said the design draws on its experience developing vessels for the offshore wind industry. The ferry’s appearance will be consistent with the existing vessel, while boarding and mooring arrangements are being developed to accommodate the route’s docking infrastructure and support passenger accessibility.
“We’ve worked closely with Georgia DNR to develop a vessel tailored to the route, with a focus on minimizing lifecycle costs and maintenance downtime,” said Christophe Rident, senior naval architect at Chartwell Marine.
The project is part of Derecktor’s expansion of newbuild capacity in Florida. Rident described it as the Dania Beach yard’s first commercial ferry project. According to Derecktor, it also marks Chartwell’s first commercial ferry design in the U.S.
“This ferry reinforces our commitment to passenger vessel operators, our successful collaboration with Chartwell Marine and the expanded capacity of Derecktor’s new construction program,” said Erik Derecktor, operations manager at Derecktor Shipyards.
WorkBoat reached out to Chartwell and Derecktor for further specs on the vessel.
