VIDEO: Eastern Shipbuilding launches third Ollis class ferry

Written by Nick Blenkey
Splashy side launch of yellow Staten Island ferry

Dorothy Day is third Ollis class ferry launched by Eastern Shipbuilding

Launched March 26, the Dorothy Day is the third of the three 320 foot long Ollis class Staten Island ferry being built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s Allanton shipyard in Panama City, Fla., for the City of New York Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) Staten Island Ferry Division.

The not-profit Diesel Technology Forum (DTF) says that the ferries bring the latest in efficient and clean public transportation options to New Yorkers, as they are powered by the fourth and newest generation of advanced technology diesel engines.

  • Main propulsion power is provided by two pairs of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) 12-710 @ 900 rpm EPA Tier 4 marine propulsion engines with each pair driving a RV6 ECS/285-2 Voith Schneider Propeller via a Reintjes DUP 3000 P combining gear.
  • Electrical power generation is provided by three EPA Tier 3 marine continuous duty diesel generator sets, each comprising a Caterpillar C18 driving a 480 V, 60 Hz, 3-phase generator rated at 425 kW at 0.8 PF @ 1,800 rpm.

“Reliable, efficient and affordable service is the primary mission of every public transportation agency,” said Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the DTF, an educational association representing diesel engine, vehicle, equipment manufacturers and fuel suppliers. “The New York City Department of Transportation is making smart technology investments ensuring that the new vessels meet their power, performance and reliability that are required for this workhorse fleet. The newest generation of diesel technology achieving near-zero emissions delivers on all accounts, while also generating significant clean air benefits for passengers and terminal communities.”

“The engines going into service for NYCDOT are fourth generation advanced diesel engines—Tier 4—that achieve near-zero emissions, manufactured by industry leader Electro-Motive Diesel, and will generate significant clean air benefits for New York City residents,” said Schaeffer. “Recent research concludes that relative to older engines developed before emission controls were required, the new technology engines can reduce emissions equivalent to taking nearly 50,000 cars off the road for a year.”

NAMED FOR STATEN ISLAND HERO

The new Staten Island Ollis Class Ferries series are named after fallen soldier of the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, a Staten Island native killed in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013, at age 24. He lost his life when he stepped into the path of a Polish officer, blocking him from the suicide vest of an insurgent.

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis served as ship’s sponsor

At the launch ceremony, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, representing New York’s 11th congressional district, served as the ship’s sponsor and broke the ceremonial bottle of champagne over the bow.

“For more than 200 years, the Staten Island Ferry has been a symbol of New York City’s harbor and an integral part of our city’s transportation system,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “As the only member representing New York City on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, it was very insightful to see the shipbuilding company that has built the latest class of Staten Island Ferries and FDNY boats that have made their way in and around my district, along with the new class of U.S. Coast Guard cutters that will modernize our Coast Guard’s fleet.”

Malliotakis added: “Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis is our hometown hero who bravely gave his life for our nation. His name is one that all Staten Islanders can be proud of as they view the best sights New York City has to offer.”

Categories: Ferries, News Tags: , , , , , , , ,