For nearly 70 years, the Sam Houston has carried visitors through the Houston Ship Channel, offering a close-up view of the city’s maritime industry. Now, Port Houston is retiring the aging vessel and introducing a new hybrid-electric tour boat that will bring modern technology and improved efficiency to the Texas city.
Naval architecture firm Incat Crowther on Tuesday announced that its U.S. office has been selected to design the new vessel, which will be built by Breaux Brothers Enterprises Inc., New Iberia, La., for scheduled delivery in 2026.
The 73'x28' aluminum catamaran will be equipped with a Twin Disc battery hybrid propulsion system featuring two 265-kW propulsion motors that will drive fixed-pitch propellers through Twin Disc MGE-5065 SC gearboxes. The vessel will have a maximum speed of 12 knots.
The vessel is designed with energy storage system with a capacity of 768 kWh, enough to run entirely on battery power during its standard two-hour educational tours, offering a quiet, zero-emission ride. It will recharge between trips using a custom shoreside charging system equipped with AC/DC converters. To ensure reliability and extended range when needed, the vessel will also include two Caterpillar C9.3 backup generators, each producing 300 kW, for added operational flexibility.
Port Houston offers free tours twice per day Tuesday through Saturday, with additional special tours available as needed. The tours focus on maritime education and industry awareness.
"We wanted an even more environmentally friendly vessel, one that is ADA accessible, and more conducive to various activities such as maritime education tours and special events," a Port Houston spokesperson told WorkBoat.
The USCG Subchapter T vessel will accommodate 150 passengers across two decks, about 60 passengers more than can be accomodated on the Sam Houston. The main deck will feature seating for 68 passengers, including two wheelchair-accessible spaces, within an air-conditioned cabin that also includes a kiosk, an information counter, and four bathrooms.
The upper deck will seat 81 passengers, with about 90% of seats covered. Its layout supports easy movement and accessibility, while the large wheelhouse on the upper deck offers the captain and crew full 360-degree visibility.
Capacities include 700 gal. fuel, 250 gal freshwater, and 250 gal. sullage.
Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston said, “More than two million people have taken our boat tour to see Houston’s vast maritime activity first-hand. It’s a unique experience that we are proud to provide. We are excited to partner with Incat Crowther and Breaux Brothers on a new, low-emission vessel that will reduce the carbon footprint of our tour while offering guests a truly memorable experience.”
Grant Pecoraro, managing director of Incat Crowther North America, said, “This vessel demonstrates that modern electric propulsion technology can provide both increased operational efficiency and flexibility, while offering an elevated customer experience. We’re pleased to be partnering with Breaux Brothers to deliver a cutting-edge solution tailored to Port Houston’s operational needs.”
