Marinette Marine Corporation, a subsidiary of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. launched the ferry Spirit of America for New York City's Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) on December 18. This 310- ft. ferry is the third of three Staten Island Ferries to be built as part of a $120-million contract that was awarded to Manitowoc in 2001. The ships are the largest ever launched at the Marinette Marine facility.
The launch featured Margaret Gordon, Executive Director of Safety and Security for the Staten Island Ferries, performing the traditional christening ceremony.
"The Spirit of America will be the 27th ferry to serve the Staten Island to New York route since municipal service began in 1905. We are proud to be part of this 100-year tradition, and we're proud of the work our Marinette shipyard did on these three cutting-edge ships," said Dennis McCloskey, president of Manitowoc's Marine Group.
The ferry was named Spirit of America in remembrance of how America pulled together following the 9-11 tragedy. The ferry will be under construction for four additional months and will then undergo sea trials. It is scheduled to be delivered to NYC DOT in New York in June 2005.
The first of the three Staten Island ferries built by Marinette Marine, the Guy V. Molinari, is currently undergoing crew training in New York and is expected to enter service next month. The second ferry, the John J. Marchi, sailed from the
Marinette Marine shipyard earlier in December and is en-route to New York City.