Derecktor Shipyards has launched a pair of hybrid-electric passenger ferries for the Chatham Area Transit (CAT): the Juliette Gordon Low II and the Susie King Taylor II.
The pair were purpose-built to support CAT’s expanding transportation network, and will operating on short, continuous routes between three key landings in Savannah—City Hall Landing, Trade Center Landing, and Waving Girl Landing.
At 65 feet (20 metres) in length, each aluminum-hulled ferry has a capacity of 149 passengers, and represent the fifth and sixth hybrid-electric vessels built by Derecktor.
The drive system comprises a BAE hybrid-electric propulsion system that optimises fuel consumption, Cummins 6.7-litre diesel generators, XALT lithium-ion batteries and a pair of waterjets, for a top speed of 11 knots.
"The introduction of Juliette Gordon Low II and Susie King Taylor II marks an important milestone in the evolution of urban marine transportation," said Derecktor.
"These ferries demonstrate the tangible benefits of hybrid-electric technology in real-world applications."