South Ferry Company orders new Ro-Pax for Shelter Island

Blount Boats has signed a contract with South Ferry Company to construct a steel passenger/vehicle ferry for Shelter Island, New York State. The 30.8- by 12-metre double-ended ferry to be named Southern Cross will be built to carry a deck load of 120 tonnes.

Main propulsion will be provided by two Caterpillar series C-18s each rated at 350kW at 1,800rpm. Twin Disc MG-516 remote mount, reverse gears will transmit power to four-blade, nibral ice strengthened propellers through Aquamet 22 propeller shafts.

The Clark family, owner of South Ferry Company, has been providing transportation between Shelter Island, New York and North Haven, New York on Long Island’s southern tip since the 1700s.