Eastern Shipbuilding launches the third Staten Island Ollis-class ferry
Dorothy Day was launched at Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s Allanton facility in Panama City, Florida.
Dorothy Day is the third of three new Staten Island Ollis-class ferries for the City of New York Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Staten Island Ferry Division.
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, representing New York’s 11th congressional district, served as the ship’s sponsor and broke the ceremonial bottle of champagne over the bow.
"For more than 200 years, the Staten Island ferry has been a symbol of New York City’s harbour and an integral part of our city’s transportation system," said Congresswoman Malliotakis. "As the only member representing New York City on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, it was very insightful to see the shipbuilding company that has built the latest class of Staten Island ferries and FDNY boats that have made their way in and around my district, along with the new class of US Coast Guard cutters that will modernise our coast guard’s fleet."
"It’s a distinct privilege for Eastern to have Congresswoman Malliotakis sponsor the third Staten Island ferry," said Eastern Shipbuilding Group president Joey D’Isernia.
"Her presence here today illustrates the critical nature of this maritime infrastructure project and both her and Eastern’s absolute commitment to the residents of New York City. We are honoured that Congresswoman Malliotakis made such an effort during these challenging times."
In October 2018, Eastern’s shipbuilding facilities were heavily damaged by Hurricane Michael, a category 5 hurricane that was the strongest hurricane ever to hit the Florida panhandle and the third-strongest hurricane ever to hit the United States.
“Within days, Eastern began rebuilding and within weeks, the shipyard restarted production on its existing contracts, most notable of which being the Staten Island Ollis-class ferries and the USCG offshore patrol cutter,” the shipyard said in a statement.
“While not complete, the shipyard’s rapid recovery to date is a testament to Eastern’s commitment to the Staten Island ferry programme, the USCG OP programme, and its other valued customers.”
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