Circle Line newbuilds to have Wesmar thrusters

Wesmar's 125 HP Model V2-20 stainless steel dual prop counter rotating thruster

MARCH 17, 2015 — Woodinville, WA, based Wesmar (Western Marine Electronics) reports that its heavy duty Bow Thrusters have been selected for three new 165-foot, 600-passenger excursion and sightseeing ferries ordered by New York City sightseeing cruise operator Circle Line Cruises.

The vessels have been ordered at Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Somerset, MA, with the first set for delivery in Spring 2016. They will each have Wesmar’s 125 HP Model V2-20 rugged stainless steel dual prop counter rotating thrusters.

“Circle Line vessels dock on the Hudson side of New York Harbor, where they navigate heavy marine traffic and cross winds. The task of holding tight to load and unload 600 passengers is critical to safety and to comfort, so the Wesmar bow thrusters are an important part of the design,” says Peter Duclos, President of Gladding–Hearn Shipbuilding. “These new boats will travel at 15 to 16 knots and trips will generally be 2-3 hours.”

Apart from the addition of an extra deck, the new vessels (Hulls 414, 415, and 416) are basically sister ships to earlier Circle Line boats built by Gladding- Hearn, (also equipped with Wesmar thrusters) and have been designed by naval architectural firm DeJong & Lebet, Jacksonville, FL.

Wesmar’s powerful all stainless steel bow thrusters are favored for passenger and excursion ferries because of their counter rotating dual prop design which produces a high degree of thrust.