February 24, 2017: Metal Shark Splashes First Two CityWide Ferries

(Photo Credit: WorkBoat)

Jeanerette, LA – March 2, 2017: The first two passenger vessels built by Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark for New York’s new Citywide Ferry Service are now on the water, after being splashed at Metal Shark’s Franklin, Louisiana shipyard late last week.

At 7:30 AM on Friday February 24th, operators from Berard Transportation began the elaborate process of moving the first of two 86′ x 26′ catamaran-hulled aluminum passenger vessels from Metal Shark’s final assembly building to the waiting cranes from H. Brown Crane Service, which hoisted the vessel and placed it into the adjacent Charenton Canal. By 3:30 PM, both vessels were in-water with Metal Shark crews resuming work on vessel fitout. Meanwhile, two more Citywide Ferries were being prepared for paint, and two others were taking shape in the welding shop, as work on the project continues.

Metal Shark is currently building six of the Incat Crowther-designed, 149-passenger, USCG Subchapter T passenger ferries for HNY Ferry Fleet LLC (a Hornblower company), operator of New York’s CityWide Ferry Service.

“Today with the launch of these first two vessels we reached an important milestone on the CityWide Ferry project, which we commenced in July,” explained Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard. “We’re on a rigorous schedule to get these boats completed and delivered on time. Fortunately we had planned the bulk of the logistics prior to the award of the contract, and we’re happy to say we’re right on schedule.”

Metal Shark plans to deliver two of the New York ferries per month from March through May.

“It is a massive undertaking and Metal Shark has and continues to showcase their experience and expertise in the craft of vessel construction,” noted Junior Volpe, Director of Special Projects for Hornblower. “The vessels constructed will become part of an impressive fleet operating on the East River in New York this coming summer.”

Meanwhile, site preparation was taking place at the yard as Metal Shark expands its operations to accommodate increased activity. The foundation for a new 200′ x 80′ fully enclosed large vessel assembly building will be poured within the next few weeks, along with a stand-alone, two-story office building with over 8,000 square feet of space for Franklin’s engineering, program management, and administrative staff.

With CityWide Ferry construction now well underway and portion of an 18-boat foreign military patrol boat order recently completed, Metal Shark is preparing to commence work on a four-boat order of 88′ passenger vessels for the Potomac Riverboat Company division of Entertainment Cruises, and a two-boat order of 105′ passenger vessels for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority. Beyond the passenger vessel market, the Franklin yard will be producing a range of orders including additional 45′ patrol boats, a 45′ pilot boat, a multi-boat US Navy contract for 50′ high-speed vessels, a 70′ supply boat, and a 158′ catamaran.

About Metal Shark

Established in 1986, Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC, and its government/commercial boat entity Metal Shark are leading suppliers of custom boats for defense, law enforcement, and commercial entities. Key customers include the United States Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Army, foreign militaries, law enforcement agencies, passenger vessel operators, pilot associations, fire departments, and other operators worldwide. From its two fully self-contained facilities in South Louisiana, Metal Shark produces a wide range of custom monohull and catamaran vessels up to 250’. www.metalsharkboats.com.

About Hornblower Co.

Hornblower Co. is the parent company of Hornblower Cruises & Events, Alcatraz Cruises, Statue Cruises, Hornblower Niagara Cruises, Liberty Landing Ferry and HMS Global Maritime. Hornblower is a leader in maritime service and hospitality for over 35 years with over 100 vessels in its fleet. Hornblower’s newest operation, Citywide Ferry by Hornblower is the newest way for New Yorkers and visitors to “Work Live and Play” when the system launches in Summer 2017.  Expected to service over 4.6 million passenger trips per year, Citywide Ferry will provide critical transportation links for areas currently underserved by transit and connect them to job centers, tech hubs and schools in New York City. | www.hornblower.com | www.citywideferry.nyc