'Yankee Freedom III', a 34m Catamaran Ferry, was developed in partnership with Yankee Fleet and Gladding Hearn Shipbuilding.
The new vessel, designed to provide exceptional passenger comfort and minimal environmental impact on the local environment, will take over the company’s daily run from Key West to Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson, previously serviced by the Incat Crowther designed Yankee Freedom II.
To achieve the regulated environmental and passenger comfort criteria, the team packaged the latest evolution in catamaran technology below the main deck with the exterior superstructure shape compliant with the established Yankee Fleet branding and identity.
To reduce the transmission of noise and improve comfort, the vessel features an isolated superstructure. Comfort is enhanced by an active interceptor. The wheelchair accessible main deck features 140 seats and 4 wheelchair spaces, all with tables.
There are exterior seats on the aft main deck, allowing passengers to enjoy the sunset on return journeys. The main deck cabin features forward doors with direct access to the foredeck, which is optimized for aquatic wildlife viewing.
Yankee Freedom III is powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3512C engines, which are Tier 2 emissions compliant. These engines each produce 1230kW at 1800rpm. On sea trials, the new ferry achieved speeds in excess of 30 knots, and will operate at a service speed of 28 knots.
