VDOT ferry on track for July delivery

Work is progressing well on the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) new double-ended ferry at the USA-based VT Halter Marine.

The steel-hulled ferry Powhatan will transport 499 passengers and 70 vehicles on the Jamestown to Scotland ferry.

It is the only 24-hour, state-run ferry, and it transports almost a million vehicles each year.

Designed by Alion Science and Technology, the ferry project is part of the state’s six-year improvement plan, with US$2.5 million in funds allocated for the ferry’s design and US$25 million for its construction.

The 82.4-metre by 19.9-metre Powhatan will replace the 1936-built Virginia when she is delivered in July.

Powered by two Caterpillar diesel engines each producing 999kW at 1,600rpm and connected to the Voith propulsion units, Powhatan will have an operating speed of 12 knots.