Gulf Island books TxDOT order for 300 ft hybrid ferry

Vessel will be built at GIFI’s Jennings, La., facility

Gulf Island Fabrication, Inc. (GIFI) reports that its Shipyard Division has received an award for the construction of a 495 passenger, 70 vehicle, double-ended ferry for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

The Shearer Group, Inc. (TSGI), designed the 300’ hybrid propulsion ferry which will operate between Galveston and Bolivar Island, Texas.

“I am pleased to have been selected to build this ferry for the Texas Department of Transportation,” said Kirk Meche, Gulf Island’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “This award is another example of our commitment to diversify outside of our traditional oil and gas markets to provide opportunities for our employees and returns for our shareholders.”

The vessel will be built at GIFI’s Jennings, La., facility and her delivery is scheduled for late 2021. “Gulf Island Shipyards certainly looks forward to the opportunity of working with both the TSGI staff and the TxDOT construction team in building this state of the art and highly innovative ABS classed ferry”, said Mike Jannise (GIS’ Sales and Business Development Manager).

• Specifications
• Dimensions: 293’ x 66’ x 16’
• Capacity: 70 Car / 495 Passengers
• Propulsion: Diesel Electric with Energy Storage
• Propellers: Voith Schneider