Incat Crowther announced yesterday the christening of the first ferry in NYC Ferry’s fleet, as a subsequent pair of vessel arrive in New York. The first vessel has been christened Lunch Box, following a naming competition held amongst New York school students.

First NYC Ferry Takes to the Water in the Big Apple
Caption: NYC Ferry's Lunch Box - Images courtesy of Incat Crowther

Lunch Box is the first vessel in a fleet of 26m catamaran ferries commissioned by Hornblower Cruises to form NYC Ferries, a government initiative to bring an affordable, city-wide ferry network to the Big Apple. Over the coming year, the fleet will grow to some 20 vessels and the network will grow to 6 routes. On Manhattan, the routes will be based out of Wall Street and East 34th streets and will serve areas such as DUMBO, Rockaway, Astoria, Brooklyn, Sunset Park.

The aggressive delivery schedule required by the network is being met by two shipyards, Horizon Shipbuilding and Metal Shark. Incat Crowther is working closely with the two shipyards, having developed a design that is efficient to produce in the volumes required and in the timeframe they are required. New systems and communication methods were developed to allow designer and yards to share information and work collaboratively.

The vessels offer quick turn-around using the standard New York City bow loading geometry. This allows the vessel to nose into wharves with minimal mooring. The wheelhouse of the vessel is situated immediately behind the foredeck with excellent views over the boarding area, enhancing operational safety.

Once aboard, passengers are greeted with a large, open main deck cabin, seating 119 passengers in addition to multiple wheelchair and stroller spaces. The vessel is fully accessible and ADA-compliant.

The upper deck seats 28 passengers in an open configuration, affording excellent views of the famous Hudson River and its landmarks. This deck is immediately accessible to the foredeck via forward stairs.

A concession stand will offer food and beverage service to commuters, who will also be connected by free onboard wifi and supported by multiple device charging stations.

The vessel will be one of the cleanest operating in American waters, with efficient Tier 3 certified main engines, dry exhausts, and vinyl coating in lieu of toxic solvent-based paints.

Powered by a pair of Baudouin 6M26.3 main engines, rated to 599kw each, Lunch Box has a top speed in excess of 27 knots. Incat Crowther is proud of its role in the development of a world-class mass transportation network.

Source: Incat Crowther