Austal USA Delivers Circle Line’s First High-Speed Vessel

Austal USA celebrated the delivery of its sixth vessel on August 6, 2003. This 143ft passenger catamaran left Austal’s yard in Mobile, Alabama, on her way to Circle Line-Statue of Liberty Ferry, Inc. (Circle Line) in New York City. The New York-based company transports thousands of passengers to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island each day. “Zephyr” is Circle Line’s first aluminum high speed vessel, and the second Austal USA has delivered to the New York area in the last three months. Austal delivered the 135ft dinner cruise yacht “Cloud 9” to her owners in May. The new catamaran meets Circle Line’s requirements for a vessel capable of fulfilling a variety of roles. With a service speed of 29 knots and COI for 600 passengers, the vessel has been developed through close co-operation between Austal USA and Circle Line and will expand the owner’s harbor sightseeing cruises, and evening charter operations as well as providing speed and comfort on longer distance runs. Most noticeable when entering through the large double doors, forward, is the atrium area, with a large expanse of skylight providing the twin benefits of an airy spacious saloon as well as unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline, viewed from seats within the air-conditioned cabin. Equally striking is the circular, Amtico dance floor set below the skylight. The Main Deck is extremely spacious and will allow for a variety of functions on-board including corporate presentations. To facilitate these, a large screen can be electrically lowered from the ceiling, and is supplemented by feed to 21 inch flat screen televisions. Suspended from ceiling and wall locations throughout the vessel, these can also receive Direct TV satellite service.