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36 MN October 2010 MarineNews Yearbook Passenger Vessels 2010 money again,” Chouraki commented, “More and more people are now aware of our waterfront not simply as something to see from their apartment window or land- scaped promenade but how easy it is to charter a boat in Manhattan and enjoy this wonderful resource.” The resource has also not been taken for granted by Statue Cruises (Hornblower). The national impact, result- ing from the wide reporting of the Statue of Libertys crown reopening increased their bookings. “Our Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty ferries are the clydesdales of the operation,” according to Hornblower corporate public relations spokesperson, Tegan Firth. She reported Statue cruises is expanding their dinner boat and explor- ing new charter markets. Currently, at Derecktor Shipbuilding in Connecticut, the Hornblower Hydrogen Hybrid vessel dubbed H3 is taking shape. Scheduled to be splashed April 2011, the design features wind turbines and solar power. Upgrading their entire fleet, all their ves- sels will be re-engined with Tier II power plants. Firth echoed the USCGs statistics regarding marine events by mentioning the upcoming 125th anniversary of the Statue of Libertys dedication in NY Harbor. The Port of NY/NJ is busy and operators look forward to a robust 2011. The variety of vessel traffic is growing. Passenger vessel operators are part of the intense maritime activity. “The fact that the system operates efficiently and safely is a testament to the culture of safety and best prac- tices followed by the ports stakeholders” said Robert H. Pouch, Deputy Commander, Operations NYNM/New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs. Sandy Hook Pilots President Mahlmann emphasizes how the harbor community shares the NY/NJ waters with diverse stakeholders, and the need for situational aware- ness on the part of all operators. In spite of the wonders of AIS, GPS, VTS, Integrated Bridge Systems and I NAV apps on cell phones, Mahlmann succinctly counsels: “Look out the [expletive deleted] window!” MN NY Harbor, Little Lady ferry traverses North River with the Empire State building in background
