Seastreak Launches M/V Seastreak New Jersey

Seastreak America Inc. has added another catamaran ferry to its service within the New York City commuter market with the December 10, 2001 launch of M/V Seastreak New Jersey. The 141-ft. (42.9-m), 400 passenger high speed catamaran will provide daily commuter ferry service from Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, N.J. to Pier 11 near Wall Street and East 34th Street in Manhattan.

SeaStreak New Jersey is the sister ship of SeaStreak New York and joins the fleet of the 300-passenger SeaStreak Manhattan and SeaStreak Liberty, which also provides commuter services between central New Jersey and Manhattan; the 149-passenger Seastreak Brooklyn accommodates commuters between Brooklyn and Manhattan. The catamaran, built by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding in Somerset, Mass., features three decks: including two interior and one exterior with Lexan wind deflectors; automatic doors, heated decks and ramps, a full bar and three restrooms.

Reported to be the fastest commuter ferry in the New York Harbor, Seastreak New Jersey travels at a service speed of 38 knots and a maximum speed of 42 knots, and is expected to complete the passage from New Jersey and Manhattan in 35 minutes. It is propelled by four Cummins KTA50M2 engines rated at 7,500 bhp and four Kamewa A50 model waterjets. According to Gladding-Hearn, it possesses a balance of seakeeping, efficiency, low wash and mechanical redundancy. Launch ceremonies for the SeaStreak New Jersey were held at the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina, Pier 6 in Atlantic Highlands, N.J. with the boat's godmother, Miss New Jersey Julie Barber, christening the vessel. Local and state dignitaries, representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard and Rev. Peter Larom of the Seamen's Church Institute in Manhattan also participated in the vessel's official unveiling.