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Seastreak News

16 Feb 2023

2023 Shipbuilding Report: US Passenger Vessels

Casco Bay Line selected the Senesco to build a double ended hybrid electric ferry to replace an existing diesel boat. (Image: EBDG)

With travel and tourism nearing pre-2020 levels, and transit systems benefiting from a return to work, passenger vessels have seen renewed activity. In its year-end review, John Groundwater, Executive Director of the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA), which advocates for the sector in Washington, D.C. wrote: “As we are nearing the end of the calendar year, we are delighted to report that our industry, and our members, are reporting far and wide that they have experienced very…

27 Oct 2022

Software Flaw Led to of New York Ferry Grounding -NTSB

Commodore underway before the casualty, approaching the East 35th Street New York City Ferry Terminal. (Photo: Seastreak)

A software flaw combined with the captain’s failure to use back-up controls led to the grounding of a passenger ferry last year in New York City, the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday.The high-speed passenger ferry Commodore, owned and operated by Seastreak, was transiting northbound on the East River on June 5, 2021, when the catamaran lost primary steering and speed control to both of its port hull water jets and then grounded. One minor injury was reported among the seven crewmembers and 107 passengers on board.

12 Oct 2022

“Welcome to a Dying Industry (1988)”

Photo copyright Greg Trauthwein

While pundits have long proclaimed the U.S. maritime industry dying or dead, the recent delivery of Great Lakes laker Mark W. Barker suggests an innovative future instead.Jacksonville Shipyard was a well-known repair yard that was particularly well known for servicing the Jones Act tanker fleet and Gino Ferrari was its New York representative. Each Christmas season Gino hosted a reception at the Four Seasons restaurant for tanker Owners.Gino Ferrari was a close friend of the company and my father always received an invite.

07 Jun 2021

Ferry Runs Aground in New York

(Photo: FDNY)

A ferry ran aground with 118 passengers and seven crew-members aboard in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Saturday evening.Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New York command center received a report that the 150-foot Seastreak ferry Commodore ran aground and was taking on water in Bushwick Inlet near the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, at approximately 4:17 p.m.The ferry, which runs routes between New York and New Jersey, lost power and steering and began drifting before striking ground, operator Seastreak said. The vessel was traveling from Highlands, N.J., to East 35th Street in Manhattan.

31 Dec 2020

Interlake Acquires Two Great Lakes Vessels

(Photo: Interlake Holding Company)

Interlake Holding Company announced today the purchase of the assets of Pere Marquette Shipping Company and Lake Michigan Car Ferry Company in an acquisition that includes two working Great Lakes vessels, the articulated tug-barge Undaunted-Pere Marquette 41 and the historic passenger-and-car ferry S.S. Badger.The acquisition signals the creation of a new business entity, Interlake Maritime Services, which will manage the new businesses along with The Interlake Steamship Company…

23 Jun 2020

Keep It Steady

A Southwest Alaska pilot boat equipped with Humphree interceptors (Photo: Humphree USA)

Gothenberg, Sweden based Humphree was founded in 2002 by a team of engineers that sought to leverage their expertise in high-speed marine propulsion – or more specifically, hydrodynamics, electronics and digital controls – to create vessel stabilization packages that would be easy to install and use. And thus, Humphree’s interceptors were created.The compact and robust transom-mounted units feature an adjustable blade that activates vertically into the water stream beneath the hull to create a lift force.

03 Sep 2019

Incat Crowther to Supply Second New York – New Jersey Ferry for Seastreak

Incat Crowther has been contracted to build a second UCSG Subchapter K certified fast ferry as a sister ship to the Seastreak Commodore (pictured). (Photo: Incat Crowther)

Marine engineering design specialist Incat Crowther has been awarded the contract for the construction of a new vessel for New York and New Jersey ferry operator Seastreak.The new vessel will operate as a sister ship to the company’s Seastreak Commodore ferry, which was delivered to the company in June 2018, the success of this vessel enabling a second Incat Crowther 45 ferry to accommodate the large passenger volume along traditional routes serviced by Seastreak.The addition of the new vessel brings the operator’s fleet of Incat Crowther-designed vessels to a total of nine.

29 Jun 2020

Humphree: Steady as She Goes

(Photo: Humphree)

Humphree makes inroads in North American markets with vessel stabilization technology.If you haven’t yet heard of Humphree – the Sweden-based supplier of vessel stabilization systems – then, more than likely, that’s about to change. The firm’s penetration into the North American commercial and leisure marine market has seen its equipment on several vessels, including high-profile deployments like the new Seastreak high-speed commuting ferry.Founded in 2002 by a team of hydrodynamic and marine engineers…

16 Oct 2018

Humphree Interceptors for Seastreak's Newest Ferry


Seastreak stern view (Photo: Humpree)

Interceptors and Active Ride Control supplied by Humphree USA will help deliver a smooth and stable ride for the newest addition to the Seastreak ferry fleet.Seastreak Commodore, which was put into service this summer, is the biggest and fastest passenger ferry in the Seastreak fleet. The 150-foot catamaran can carry up to 600 passengers. The high-speed vessel makes daily commuter runs between Sandy Hook, N.J., and the East 35th Street terminal in New York City, with transit times of about 45 minutes.

08 Jun 2018

New Ferry Seastreak Commodore Delivered

(Photo: Incat Crowther)

Seastreak’s newest vessel, Seastreak Commodore, has been developed in response to significant passenger volume growth and brings the operator’s fleet of Incat Crowther-designed vessels to a total of eight.The 45m-long, 600-passenger ferry built at the Gulf Craft shipyard in Louisiana is the highest capacity UCSG k-Class fast ferry ever built. Incat Crowther said it worked closely with Seastreak to develop the vessel’s layout and styling to allow 600 people to safely and comfortably undertake their daily commute.

24 Mar 2017

Ferry Runs Aground in New Jersey

A Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook boatcrew oversaw the safe transfer of 95 passengers from a grounded ferry, the Whaling City Express, March 23, 2017, near Highlands, New Jersey. Sector New York marine investigators are scheduled to conduct an investigation to ensure the integrity of the vessel prior to the vessel operating again. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Station Sandy Hook)

U.S. Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook oversaw the transfer of 95 passengers from a grounded ferry, the Whaling City Express, Thursday, near Highlands, New Jersey. At approximately 11:15 p.m., watchstanders at Sector New York Command Center were notified that a Seastreak Ferry with 95 passengers aboard ran aground 200-yards from the pier in Highlands, N.J. Sector New York watchstanders launched a Coast Guard rescue crew from Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook. The Station rescue crew…

20 Oct 2016

Rolls-Royce to Power New York's Newest Luxury Ferry

Photo: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce has won a contract to supply power and propulsion to New York’s newest and largest high-speed luxury ferry. The catamaran, operated by New Jersey based Seastreak, will carry up to 600 passengers between Monmouth County, N.J. and Wall Street in less than 40 minutes at a top speed of 35 knots. Power comes from four high-speed MTU diesel engines type 12V 4000 M64 from Rolls-Royce. The engines will be EPA Tier III compliant and offer the lowest emissions on the market. The four engines will drive four Rolls-Royce Kamewa 63S4 waterjets, providing both reliability and redundancy.

02 Sep 2016

Incat Crowther Designs another Ferry for Seastreak

(Image: Incat Crowther)

In response to significant growth in passenger volume, New York ferry operator Seastreak has contracted Incat Crowther to design a 45-meter catamaran passenger vessel for its fleet, thus increasing its number of Incat Crowther designed vessels to eight. Incat Crowther has worked with Seastreak to provide an operational advantage in a competitive market. The new vessel will continue this approach and be based on the fleet’s largest ferries, Seastreak Wall Street, Seastreak Manhattan, Seastreak Highlands and Seastreak New York. Passenger capacity is increased to 600.

20 May 2015

New Ferry Service to Long Island

Sea Jitney connecting NYC to Long Island (Photo: Sea Jitney)

A new intermodal service for the Tri-State area offers a transportation alternative linking New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut with Long Island. The new service, launched in partnership between Seastreak, the Bridgeport–Port Jefferson Ferry and Hampton Jitney, uses a combination of ferries and busses to transport passengers from New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut to Long Island. Beginning May 22, 2015, the seasonal weekend service called Sea Jitney will carry passengers to and from these locations with the Port Jefferson dock as the hub.

08 Jul 2014

Wall St. Ferry Crash Spurs NTSB Safety Recommendations

Seastreak Wall Street

The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) investigation into the allision of passenger vessel Seastreak Wall Street with Pier 11, Lower Manhattan, New York early last year has led the board to issue a safety alert regarding stairway hazards during docking and undocking. Of the 331 people on board when the vessel allided with the dock on January 9, 2013, 79 passengers and one crewmember were injured, four of them seriously. As the vessel approached the pier, some passengers…

24 Jun 2014

Protecting Your Right to a ‘Bon Voyage’

The National Transportation Safety Board’s Earl F. Weener responds to our March 2014 MarineNews BY THE NUMBERS feature, entitled “Passenger Vessel Safety Record Defies NTSB Hit List.” The NTSB Board Member takes issue with the inference that their scrutiny of the record of passenger vessel safety is misplaced and should be better directed elsewhere. Naturally, we still think otherwise. Each year, the NTSB issues a Most Wanted List of safety advocacy priorities. This year, one of the top priorities is to advance passenger vessel safety. Why? Because when people step onto a ferry, sightseeing boat, or cruise ship, they have a right to a ‘bon voyage’ — literally, a “good trip” and figuratively, a “safe trip” — whether in their daily commutes or on a family cruise.

09 Apr 2014

NTSB: Seastreak Allision due to loss of vessel control

The National Transportation Safety Board determined today that the ferry Seastreak Wall Street struck Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan in January 2013, because the captain lost control of the vessel while attempting to dock. Additionally, the procedure used by the captain to reduce speed and transfer control from one bridge station to another while approaching the pier did not allow enough time to adequately respond to the loss of propulsion control. On January 9, 2013, Seastreak Wall Street, a high-speed passenger ferry serving commuters between New Jersey and Lower Manhattan, allided with Pier 11 as the vessel was attempting to dock. Four of the 331 persons aboard the vessel were treated for serious injuries.

06 Aug 2013

Wall Street Commuters Give New Ferry a Try

Seastreak Ferry: Photo courtesy of Seastreak

Dozens of Brooklyn straphangers stranded by the 14-month-long R train shutdown to Lower Manhattan try out a new ferry service to Wall Street,  but other commuters shunned the transit alternative as even more of an inconvenience, reports the New York Post. A total of more than 100 people hopped aboard five morning-rush-hour runs of the ferry, which began leaving the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park at 6:20 a.m. and reached Pier 11 in Manhattan after the 15-minute trip. The Seastreak ferry…

30 Mar 2004

Two Incat Ferries Launched

Incat Designs - Sydney announced the launches of two new ferries. The 43m Seastreak Highlands was launched at Gladding Hearn's Massachusetts (USA) yard in late February. This was followed by the launch of 58m RoPax Ferry MiCAT (pictured) by Cairns boatbuilder NQEA Australia one week later. Seastreak Highlands is the 165th Incat Designs - Sydney vessel to be constructed, and will join sister ships Seastreak New Jersey, Seastreak Wall Street and Seastreak New York on the run from Downtown New York to Atlantic Highlands.

06 Dec 2013

Fast Ferry Gets a New Power Package

Seastreak’s Wall Street  Repower Synopsis  Installed power:	Reduced from 5696 kW 		to 3680 kW (35%)   Fuel consumption:	Reduced 30%  	(est. $500,000/year)  Weight:	Reduced 15 tonnes  CO2 emissions:	Per-passenger  value halved

While many owners discuss ideas to suitably maintain maritime service while slashing operating costs, Seasteak LLC, owners a 43m fast ferry Wall Street, put words into action with a dramatic propulsion switch that saw the company maintain sailing schedule and speed while reducing fuel consumption 30% and CO2 emissions 50%. Wall Street, a 43m fast ferry owned by Seastreak LLC of Atlantic Highlands, NJ, was originally built by Gladding-Hearch Shipbuilding and launched in 2003, the third of four sister vessels.

29 Aug 2012

Incat Crowther Announces Refit of Seastreak

Seatreak

Incat Crowther  announced the successful completion of the re-fit of the 43m Catamaran Ferry Seastreak Wall Street. Seastreak Wall Street was the third of four such vessels built by Gladding Hearn in Massachusetts, and was launched in 2003. The vessels were originally fitted with four Cummins KTA50 main engines, each producing 1424kW. The engines drove a quartet of KaMeWa A50 water jets. The original propulsion package was chosen with emphasis on speed for the Atlantic Highlands to Manhattan service, delivering speeds in excess of 38 knots and four-engine redundancy.

04 Apr 2014

NTSB Board to Discuss Wall St. Ferry Accident

The National Transportation Safety Board will meet to discuss a 2013 accident involving the Seastreak Wall Street commuter ferry in lower Manhattan. On January 9, 2013, the high-speed passenger ferry, Seastreak Wall Street, on a routine trip from New Jersey to Pier 11/Wall Street, struck the pier as it approached the dock. Four of the 331 people on board the vessel sustained serious injuries. The meeting will take place Tuesday, April 8 at 9:30 a.m. EDT, at the NTSB Board Room and Conference Center in Washington D.C.  A link to the webcast will be available shortly before the start of the meeting at www.capitolconnection.net/capcon/ntsb/ntsb.htm.

09 Jan 2013

Coast Guard, NTSB Investigating NYC Ferry Allision

NEW YORK – Coast Guard law enforcement officers, from Station New York, prepare to help administer drug and alcohol tests to the crew of the Seastreak ferry at Pier 11, Manhattan, Jan. 9, 2013.

Coast Guard, partner agencies respond to ferry allision in Manhattan. The Coast Guard is responding to an allison that occurred at the Pier 11 ferry terminal in Manhattan, N.Y. Fifty-seven injuries have been reported after the ferry Seastreak allided with the pier at 8:45 a.m. Two rescue boat crews from Coast Guard Station New York, along with FDNY and NYPD are responding to the scene. An investigation team from Coast Guard Sector New York is also responding. Drug and alcohol testing is being conducted in accordance with federal regulation.