>>Having recently signed a new 10-year contract with the National Park Service (NPS) for passenger service between Key West, Fla., and the Dry Tortugas National Park, Massachusetts-based Yankee Fleet has ordered a new 250-passenger, high-speed catamaran from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, the Duclos Corporation. The new vessel will replace the ferry operator’s interim vessel, Yankee Freedom II, which the shipyard built in 1999. Delivery is planned for 2011. >>
>>The new, larger vessel, designed by Incat-Crowther, closely resembles the Yankee Freedom II in order to retain the strong brand presence Yankee Fleet has established with tourists to the national park, said company officials. The all-aluminum catamaran measures 110 feet (33.5m) long, 30.6’ (9.3m) at the beam, and will draw 7 feet (2m). It will be powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3512C, EPA Tier 2-approved diesel engines, each delivering 1650 Bhp at 1800 rpm and turning Ni-Br-Al propellers. The twin gearboxes will be Twin Disc model MGX6848SC Quick Shift. The ferry will be equipped with two Caterpillar 58 kW generators, and a Vosper/MDI active interceptor, motion-control system to reduce the vessel’s motion in rough seas. Top speed will be over 28 knots, with a deadweight of 27 tonnes. >>
>>The vessel design also includes many of the “Green” features required by the NPS, such as zero discharge, an oil boom on board, and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the vessel. Additionally, there will be a high-efficiency HVAC system augmented by the engines’ waste heat, solar-charged emergency batteries, metal-free bottom paint, and zero-VOC vinyl marine film instead of paint on the exterior. >>
>Accommodations include 142 Beurteaux seats and 24 tables, a snack bar, and four heads in the main cabin. The upper cabin will feature a snack bar and seating and tables for 56 passengers, and an additional 54 exterior seats on the aft deck. A 120,000 Btu HVAC system will heat and cool the cabins and wheelhouse. Interior sound levels will be about 70 decibels. >