WorkBoat is proud to announce its 10 Significant Boats of 2025, recognizing outstanding commercial vessels built or featured during the qualifying period. Unlike some years when readers are invited to cast votes for the “Boat of the Year,” the 2025 Boat of the Year will instead be selected by WorkBoat’s editorial team, with the announcement taking place during the Significant Boat Awards Ceremony & Happy Hour at the International WorkBoat Show.
David Packard – 164' x 42' Research Vessel
Builder: Freire Shipyard · Owner: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute · Designer: Glosten
Harbor Charger – 180' x 62' Passenger/Vehicle Ferry
Builder: Conrad Shipyard · Owner: Trust for Governors Island · Designer: Elliott Bay Design Group
Karl – 137' x 36'5" High-Speed Ferry
Builder: Mavrik Marine · Owner: San Francisco Bay Ferry · Designer: One2three Naval Architects
Kellituq – 36' x 11' Patrol Boat
Builder: Bay Weld Boats · Owner: Alaska State Troopers · Designer: Bay Weld Boats
Long Island – 302' x 52' Passenger/Vehicle Ferry
Builder: Eastern Shipbuilding Group · Owner: Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Co. · Designer: Gilbert Associates
Mariner – 198' x 50' x 12'6" Towboat
Builder: C&C Marine and Repair · Owner: American Commercial Barge Line · Designer: CT Marine
Mr. Brian – 100' x 38' Tractor Tug
Builder: Main Iron Works · Owner: Bisso Towboat · Designer: Main Iron Works
North Wind – 78' x 26'8" Research Vessel
Builder: All American Marine · Owner: Cal Poly Humboldt · Designer: Teknicraft Design
San Jacinto, Juan Seguin – 80' x 21' Pilot Boats
Builder: Breaux’s Bay Craft · Owner: Houston Pilots Association · Designer: ECS Marine
Voyager – 294' x 56' Space Support Vessel
Builder: Conrad Shipyard (Conversion) · Owner: Guice Offshore · Designer: Conrad Shipyard
Why These Boats Are Significant
WorkBoat’s editorial team considers a vessel “significant” not just for its design, but for what it represents:
- A first-of-its-kind build or a successful new series
- Expansion into emerging markets, such as offshore wind and space support
- Service to critical U.S. maritime sectors, including ferries, tugs, research, and patrol craft
- Representation of U.S. shipbuilding excellence across multiple regions
Recognition at the WorkBoat Show
The Significant Boat Awards Ceremony & Happy Hour will take place at 4 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, on the WorkBoat Main Stage during the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans. At that time, the Boat of the Year will be announced, selected from among the 10 Significant Boats.
About the International WorkBoat Show
The International WorkBoat Show is the largest commercial marine trade show in North America, gathering shipbuilders, operators, designers, and suppliers. The annual event features thousands of exhibitors, an education program, and exclusive networking opportunities.
