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16 • MarineNews • January, 2005 Passenger Vessel Annual The wife of Alaska's senior senator Ted Stevens, christened Alaska's second fast ferry at the Dereck- tor Shipyard in Bridgeport, Conn. The ship -- M/V Chenega -- is scheduled to begin service in Alaska's Prince William Sound in late spring. Designed by Nigel Gee and built by Derecktor Shipyard, the vessel is the second aluminum passenger and vehi- cle carrying catamaran built for the state. Once it is put into service, it will provide daily service between its homeport of Cordova and the surface highway accessible communities of Valdez and Whittier -- at travel times of almost half those of most Alaska Marine Highway vessels. "The addi- tion of the Chenega will continue to change our system," noted Tom Briggs, Deputy Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Director of Marine Operations. "While we've done a good job of providing regular service to Cordova, Valdez and Whittier, the Chenega will greatly improve access by providing these communities with daily service." Captain John Falvey, General Manager, noted the system began using fast ferries last year with the introduction of the M/V Fair- weather, (featured on this month’s cover) and that the learning curve is steep. "We've gotten to the point where the crew is comfortable navigating the Fairweather and traveling at more than 30 knots - a major accomplishment, especially during the win- ter, " he said. "While we now have crew trained for the Inside Passage, we are going to have to adapt that knowledge to Prince William Sound." Gavin Higgins, COO of Derecktor Shipyard, noted the importance of the vessel's construction to the ship- yard, as well. "The Chenega, like its sister ship, the Fairweather, utilizes the latest technology in build- ing techniques and equipment. We've learned a great deal from the Fairweather's performance and have applied that to the Chenega. It's a great ves- sel, a true prototype for 21st century ferry travel, and one that will provide Alaska with another great, "state of the art" ship." Circle 202 on Reader Service Card The Best Box Made! Better Way Products “Your Satisfaction Is Ours” 70891 CR 23 New Paris, IN 46553 574-831-3340 FAX: 574-831-3611 E-MAIL: rabwp@bnin.net www.dockbox.com Reinforced lids for Adult Seating Ideal for life Jacket Storage Lockable Over 25 Standard Models Custom Sizes Available HIGHEST QUALITY! VALUE! Circle 219 on Reader Service Card Marine Machining Specialists 33475 Giftos Drive, Clinton Township, MI 48035 Phone 586-791-8800 Derecktor-built Ferry Christened Last of Three Built for NYC's DOT Marinette Marine Corporation, a subsidiary of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. launched the ferry Spirit of America for New York City's Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) on December 18. This 310- ft. ferry is the third of three Staten Island Ferries to be built as part of a $120-million contract that was awarded to Manitowoc in 2001. The ships are the largest ever launched at the Marinette Marine facility. The launch featured Margaret Gordon, Executive Director of Safety and Security for the Staten Island Ferries, performing the traditional christening cere- mony. "The Spirit of America will be the 27th ferry to serve the Staten Island to New York route since municipal service began in 1905. We are proud to be part of this 100-year tradition, and we're proud of the work our Marinette shipyard did on these three cutting-edge ships," said Dennis McCloskey, presi- dent of Manitowoc's Marine Group. The ferry was named Spirit of America in remembrance of how America pulled together fol- lowing the 9-11 tragedy. The ferry will be under construction for four additional months and will then undergo sea trials. It is scheduled to be deliv- ered to NYC DOT in New York in June 2005. The first of the three Staten Island ferries built by Marinette Marine, the Guy V. Molinari, is currently undergoing crew training in New York and is expected to enter service next month. The second ferry, the John J. Marchi, sailed from the Marinette Marine shipyard earlier in December and is en- route to New York City. Circle 24 on Reader Service Card MN JAN05 1 (1-16).qxd 1/4/2005 1:07 PM Page 16
