Gladding-Hearn delivers Circle Line sightseeing vessel

JUNE 5, 2017 – Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, Somerset, MA, has delivered the second of three new sightseeing vessels for Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Inc., in New York City. This follows the shipyard’s delivery of three sister ships to the company in 2009.

Like the earlier vessels, the new 599-passenger all-steel vessel, designed by DeJong and Lebet, N.A., in Jacksonville, Fla., measures 165 feet in length and has a 34-foot beam.

With a top speed of 14 knots, the vessel is powered by twin Cummins QSK-38M1 diesel engines, delivering a total of 2,600 hp and connected to ZF W3355 gear boxes, turning 60-inch, 5-bladed bronze propellers.

For dockside maneuvering, the vessel is equipped with a 125 hp Wesmar bow thruster, powered by an electric motor. Two 140 kW generators supply the ship’s service power. The vessel carries 8,200 gallons of fuel and 4,000 gallons of potable water.

The pilothouse is equipped with port and starboard wing stations, in addition to the center console.

The cabins have very large double-glazed windows that give spectacular views of the New York City skyline in any weather.

Interior accommodations include space for loose seating and tables for 275 passengers in the main cabin. The second deck provides space for seating and tables for another 200 passengers indoors and outside seating for 88 passengers. Aft of the seating is a bandstand for live music.

Aft of the pilothouse on the third deck is outdoor seating for 84 passengers under a fixed canopy. The cabins are arranged for significantly improved concession areas, three cocktail bars and wheelchair-accessible heads.

Heating and air-conditioning are supplied by a 278,000 Btu diesel-fired boiler and four 15-ton water-cooled chillers.

The crew room, located below the main deck, is outfitted with storage cabinets, a refrigerator, shower and head, and walk-in cooler.