FERRIES: GOING THE
DISTANCE

by John Snyder, Senior Editor

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corp., Somerset, Mass., recently delivered two 25-knot, 84 ft x 30 ft ferries to the Government of Bermuda, Ministry of Transport. The Massachusetts yard won the export contract against competition from 12 yards from four countries—including Australia, Denmark, Norway and the U.S.

So how did Gladding-Hearn do it? "We didn't receive any subsidies and we weren't the lowest bidder," says Peter Duclos, president, Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding. "But, we offered the best value, best life cycle costs and the best technical response to their specifications."
The Government of Bermuda liked the fast ferries Resolute and Serenity so much that it is negotiating with Gladding-Hearn for a sister vessel.Classed by Lloyds Register of Shipping, the Resolute and Serenity will provide commuter and excursion service between Hamilton and Southampton and Dockyard as part of a new "seamless" transportation system. That system includes new docks that can accommodate bow- or side-loading fast ferries with a "smart" electronic ticketing system that allows passengers to use the public bus system.

Designed by Incat Designs, Sydney, Australia, each all-aluminum catamaran ferry has a capacity of 250 passengers, with seating for 110 in the main cabin and 98 in the partially covered upper deck.

Propulsion power is supplied by a pair of Detroit Diesel 12V-2000 series main engines, each delivering 965 bhp at 2,100 rev/min. The engines drive a pair of Bruntons five-blade Ni-Br-Al propellers via Twin Disc 5202 gearing.

U.S. IS HOTTEST FERRY MARKET
While Gladding-Hearn still has its eyes on the export market, it doesn't mean it has lost sight of the U.S. market.

"Right now," says Duclos, "the U.S. is the hottest fast ferry market in the world. That's why you see international designers and U.S. shipyards solidifying their relationships. We are established, but we don't take anything for granted. The margins on these projects are very tight and we have to remain aggressive in our approach."
That approach has helped Gladding-Hearn compile a solid backlog of 13 projects, including pilot boats and fast ferries. Depending on final designs, says Duclos, deliveries of these vessels could stretch into late 2004 or early 2005.

MONSTER APPETITE
From Maine to Martinez, Calif., the appetite for new ferries and ferry services in the U.S. is almost insatiable. Two markets in particular that are generating demand are New York City, which is trying to meet post 9/11 commuter transportation needs, and San Francisco, which is about to unveil its master plan for expanding ferry service across the Bay.

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