Ferries
People Movers
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The 150-passenger, 98’x23’ electric hydrofoil fast ferry for Seattle would have carbon fiber foils and hull with foam cores above the waterline.
of the traffic is due to tourism, since many office buildings are not back to work yet. As for crew, “we simply don’t have the number of people we need,” which has led to cancellations, he said. Normally, from February to June, they have
An April engine room fire sidelined Washington State Ferries’ 460’2”x90’x17’3” Wenatchee which was undergoing sea trials with rebuilt engines. www.workboat.com • SEPTEMBER 2021 • WorkBoat
Washington State Ferries
T
he rarefied world of the America’s Cup provided inspiration for a ferry that is one of a growing number with low-emission, high-speed hybrid- and electric-powered designs. At the same time, the continued operation of two historic landmarks (see sidebar) is a nod to the past of a dynamic The Seastreak Commodore approachessector the terminal at Highlands, N.J. that is gradually recovering from a steep Covid-19-induced passenger drought. Crew and commuters heading to work have been hard to find. Ridership for many ferry operators was down 40%-50%, but things are getting better. And one new Staten Island ferry was finally expected to be in New York harbor this year. COVID AND OTHER WOES As summer began, passengers came flooding back “to the point we’re at pre-pandemic levels on most routes,” said Ian Sterling, spokesman for Washington State Ferries (WSF). A lot By Dale K. DuPont, Correspondent
Glosten
After suffering from a year of dealing with Covid and low ridership, ferry operators are rebounding.
