Gulfstream wins contract from U.S. DHS for building new aluminium ferry

<p>U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded a contract to Gulfstream Shipbuilding, Freeport, Fla., for making a passenger/vehicle ferry to service New York and Connecticut waters. The crewboat-style aluminium ferry will transport passengers, freight and vehicles and animals.</p> <p><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/Gulfstream-Shipbuilding-DHS-Ferry-702x336.jpg" alt="News" width="517" height="226" /><br />&ldquo;Gulfstream Shipbuilding is not only familiar with the Eastern Long Island Sound waters, our team has delivered three ferry vessels to North Ferry Company that operate near these waters,&rdquo; said James Murray, the shipyard&rsquo;s sales manager. &ldquo;We are proud of our 35-plus year history of building strong aluminum crewboats for all types of conditions.&rdquo;<br /><br />The welded aluminium ferry is designed by Gulfstream and its design team in collaboration with Naval Architect C. Fly Marine Services. The monohull diesel engine ferry sports a 6&rsquo;6&Prime; draft.<br /><br />{googleAdsense}<br /><br />The hull structure is designed strong to withstand hardness of ice, but the use of aluminium makes it lightweight despite the strength. The ferry&rsquo;s weight does not affect performance, maneuverability, seaworthiness, comfort and speed. The hull design of Gulfstream&rsquo;s ferry is similar to that of a Gulf Coast crewboat, with a diminished cargo deck overall and a narrower beam at the waterline to cut down resistance at semi-displacement speeds. A sharp entry and moderate dead rise are designed for an easy ride platform within the operational envelope.<br /><br />The ferry will have a capacity to carry up to 148 passengers and crew and fire engines, various support vehicles and freight on its rear cargo deck. The new ferry is expected to be delivered in April 2017.</p>