NEW YORK CITY — The city has chosen two southern ship yards to build the boats that will shuttle riders as part of the city's new ferry service, officials say.
Metal Shark, based out of Jeanerette, Louisiana, and Horizon Shipyard, in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, have been tapped to construct 19 ships, officials said.
Metal Shark will build the boats at their Franklin, Louisiana yard, which is big enough to "efficiently produce passenger ferries while meeting the aggressive schedule requirements of the project," Metal Shark wrote in its announcement.
The boats will fit 149 passengers and will be able to travel up to 25 knots, as well as being bicycle- and stroller-friendly and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
They will have 360-degree views as well as WiFi, power ports for laptops and cellphones and large LED infotainment screens, according to Metal Shark's website.
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The ferry service is set to launch in 2017, and Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen said it could be as early as June.
The company's boats will be built to reduce environmental impact with low-emission engines and "low wake technology," using Incat Crowther designs, according to Metal Shark.
The city will need 12 boats for its initial 2017 launch, according to the EDC. By 2018, there will be 19 ships in service for expanded routes, including a spare boat for the Rockaway route.
Ferry landings are currently under construction on Staten Island.
