Construction begins on new high-speed ferry for Massachusetts operator

Construction has begun on a nearly 500-passenger-capacity ferry that will begin service on routes in Nantucket Sound, Massachusetts, starting in 2028.

Designed by Incat Crowther, the new aluminium-hulled catamaran is being built by Midship Marine in Louisiana for Hy-Line Cruises’ tourism and commercial routes between Hyannis, Massachusetts, and Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

The 48-m vessel is designed with indoor and outdoor seating on three decks, providing a capacity for 493 passengers. The main deck will have indoor seating for 166 passengers, with an 87-m² luggage room and bicycle rack. Inside the mid-deck, there will be seating for 154 passengers, with covered and heated outdoor seating for another 88 passengers. The wheelhouse deck will have heated outdoor seating for an additional 140 passengers.

Multiple indoor and outdoor staircases will connect all three passenger decks, providing easy access and improving traffic flow.

Propulsion will be supplied by four Tier 4-compliant Cummins QSK60-M diesel engines driving four Hamilton HTX65 waterjets, allowing the vessel to reach service speeds of 30 knots. Lightweight composite shafting will be used in the drivetrain, reducing weight and maintenance requirements, while an active ride control system will enhance passenger comfort and improve efficiency.

This is not the first vessel designed by Incat Crowther for Massachusetts-based operator, noted Hy-Line Cruises president Murray Scudder. During a more than 30-year relationship, the naval architectural firm has created five multi-hull vessels for the US operator. Mr Scudder said partnering with the ship designer on this project made perfect sense because of “Incat Crowther’s deep understanding of our business” and the success of current vessels in the company’s fleet.