Incat Crowther announced the christening of the first ferry in NYC Ferry’s fleet, as a subsequent pair of vessel arrive in New York. The vessel was named Lunch Box, following a naming competition held amongst New York school students, and will be one of the cleanest operating in American waters, with efficient Tier 3 certified main engines, dry exhausts, and vinyl coating in lieu of toxic solvent-based paints.
Lunch Box is the first vessel in a fleet of 26m catamaran ferries commissioned by Hornblower Cruises to form NYC Ferries, a government initiative to bring an affordable, city-wide ferry network to the Big Apple. Over the coming year, the fleet will grow to some 20 vessels and the network will grow to 6 routes. On Manhattan, the routes will be based out of Wall Street and East 34th streets and will serve areas such as DUMBO, Rockaway, Astoria, Brooklyn, Sunset Park.
The vessel, that can fit up to 150 passengers, offers quick turn-around, using the standard New York City bow loading geometry. This allows the vessel to nose into wharves with minimal mooring. The wheelhouse of the vessel is situated immediately behind the foredeck, allowing view over the boarding area and enhancing operational safety.
Powered by a pair of Baudouin 6M26.3 main engines, rated to 599kw each, Lunch Box has a top speed in excess of 27 knots.
