The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) formally named the new hybrid-electric vehicle ferry Holly Beach on Wednesday, October 14.
Holly Beach is the first of two ferries being built by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors under a US$49.7 million project. Completion of sister vessel Cameron is expected in late November, with entry into service planned for December.
The DOTD said Holly Beach will enter public service within 30 days of the dedication. The two ferries will take the place of the 1964-built Cameron II on the Calcasieu Ship Channel crossing.
If Cameron II is unavailable for maintenance or mandatory drydocking, the route uses a temporary side-loading ferry that is unable to carry trucks longer than 50 feet (15 metres).
Trucks over that length must travel a 100-mile (160-kilometre) detour, adding more than two hours to their journey.
The DOTD said the new vessels will also assist with hurricane evacuations and emergencies arising from other weather events.
Operation and maintenance of the crossing are being transferred to New Orleans-based LabMar Ferry Services under a contract approved by the Louisiana Transportation Authority, with DOTD retaining ownership of the vessels and terminals.
The ferries were designed by the Elliott Bay Design Group to US Coast Guard Subchapter H requirements. Each vessel will have a capacity for up to 34 vehicles.
