Halter Marine to Build Ferries for State Transportation Department

A $10.7 million contract was awarded to Halter Marine Group for construction of two passenger ferries for North Carolina's Department of Transportation. The 180 ft. ferries, being built at Halter's shipyard in Moss Point Marine are scheduled for delivery to Havelock, N.C. in March 2000 and Southport, N.C. in July 2000. Two Caterpillar 3412 diesel engines will power the ferries with a minimum of 475 hp at 1,200 rpm. The all-steel, three-deck ferries can hold up to 300 passengers and 40 cars and trucks complete with a full range of communications and navigational equipment that will assist with steering and mooring. Known as a provider of design, construction and repair for offshore vessels and drilling rigs, Halter has built ferries for shipyards both in the U.S. and abroad.