Construction starts on new Ro-Ro for Fire Island Ferries

Construction has begun on a new Ro-Ro vessel for Fire Island Ferries of Fire Island, New York.

Designed by the Elliott Bay Design Group, the 70- by 23-foot (21.3- by seven-metre) Fire Island Maid is being built at the La Batre, Alabama shipyard of Metal Shark Boats.

Once completed, the vessel will have a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure. A hydraulically operated bow ramp and reinforced decks will be capable of supporting fully loaded concrete trucks and general cargo.

Power will be provided by twin Cummins QSL9 EPA Tier III engines with ZF control system and transmissions. Electrical power will be sourced from a Cummins Onan MDK generator.

Fire Island Maid will provide transport between Bay Shore, New York and various ports along the Great South Bay of Fire Island.