New U.S.-built ferry Spirit of 1773 enters service in USVI

Photo: Incat Crowther

Built by Gulf Craft LLC in Franklin, La., Spirit of 1733, a new Incat Crowther designed 300-passenger ferry, is now in service with the U.S Virgin Island’s Department of Public Works, operating on a busy tourist and commuter route between Red Hook on the island of St. Thomas and Cruz Bay on the island of St. John.

Named after a historic slave rebellion on the island of St. John in 1733, the EPA tier 4 compliant, 104-foot long, USCG Subchapter-K approved Spirit of 1773 will join two existing Incat Crowther-designed 28-meter passenger ferries that have been operating on the route for over a decade.

Powered by two Caterpillar C32 engines, each developing 895 kW at 1,800-2,100 rpm, the catamaran ferry is capable of operating at speeds of up to 28 knots and has been designed with accessibility, performance and passenger comfort in mind.

The air-conditioned main cabin features seating for up to 202 passengers, including five dedicated wheelchair-accessible spaces, two ADA-compliant bathrooms, and a fully enclosed luggage room. Integrated side boarding ramps are provided to ensure safe and efficient boarding and disembarkation.

The upper deck offers spacious outdoor seating for up to 100 passengers, while the wheelhouse provides the captain with an excellent line of sight, 360-degree visibility, and wing helm stations to assist with safe docking operations.

“We are incredibly pleased with the positive impact that Spirit of 1733 has since entering into service, said Derek Gabriel, Commissioner of the U.S Virgin Island’s Department of Public Works. “From the outset, we wanted a ferry that was designed specifically for our routes, our ports, and the conditions our operators and passengers deal with every day. Incat Crowther has delivered on that brief with Spirit of 1733 connecting our communities, supporting commerce between districts, and giving residents and visitors a more dependable way to travel between St. Thomas and St. John.”

“Incat Crowther has extensive experience designing and delivering tailored passenger ferries for operators throughout North America,” said Grant Pecoraro, Incat Crowther USA managing director. “Spirit of 1733 is another example of our track record of partnering with local operators and shipyards to create locally made, bespoke vessels. This U.S.-made vessel is a modern, efficient and accessible addition to the U.S Virgin Islands’ fleet.”

• Technical particulars HERE