Construction is underway on a new 157.5' aluminum catamaran ferry for Hy-Line Cruises, designed by Incat Crowther and being built by Midship Marine, Harvey, La. The vessel is slated to serve Hy-Line’s routes between Hyannis, Mass., and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, supporting both commuter and tourism traffic.
According to the designer, the newbuild is the sixth bespoke vessel Incat Crowther has developed for Hy-Line Cruises over a 30-year relationship.
Designed specifically for the operating conditions off Cape Cod, the ferry will carry up to 493 passengers and is expected to reach service speeds of 31.5 knots, with a top speed of 34 knots.
The vessel measures 157'x34’, and draws 6'10". Built to U.S. Coast Guard regulations under 46 CFR Subchapter K, the ferry features an aluminum hull and superstructure aimed at reducing weight while supporting high-speed operations, Incat Crowther said in a statement.
Propulsion will come from four Cummins QSK60-M Tier 4 engines, each rated at 2,500 hp at 1,800 rpm, for a total installed power of 10,000 hp. The engines will be paired with Twin Disc MGX 61500 SC HL/HR gearboxes and drive Hamilton HTX65 waterjets. Composite shafting supplied by Driveline Service of Portland (Ore.) is incorporated into the drivetrain to reduce maintenance and weight. The vessel will also feature active ride control technology from Naiad to improve passenger comfort in rough-water conditions.
Fuel capacity is 4,000 gals., with freshwater capacity of 660 gals. and 660 gals. of sullage storage.
Passenger accommodations are spread across three decks. The main deck includes indoor seating for 166 passengers and an approximately 936-sq.-ft. luggage room with dedicated bicycle storage. The mid-deck provides indoor seating for 154 passengers, along with heated and covered outdoor seating for 88. The wheelhouse deck offers heated outdoor seating for 140 passengers, in addition to forward visibility for the captain and crew. Multiple interior and exterior stairways connect all three decks to improve passenger flow during loading and unloading.
Hy-Line Cruises president Murray Scudder said the vessel was designed to meet the operator’s specific route requirements while maintaining safety and passenger comfort on one of the Northeast’s busiest ferry corridors.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2028.
