Eastern launches first of three new Staten Island Ferry double-enders

Written by Nick Blenkey
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SSG Michael H. Ollis hits the water

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., Panama City, Fla reports that its Allanton shipyard last week launched the SSG Michael H. Ollis, the first of three 320 ft Ollis Class ferries for the Staten Island Ferry Division of New York City’s Department of Transportation (NYCDOT).

The ferry is named for Staten Island native Army Staff Sgt. Michael H. Ollis, who was killed in Afghanistan on August 28, 2013, when he stepped into the path of a Polish officer, blocking him from the suicide vest of an insurgent who had raided Forward Operating Base Ghazni. Ollis was 24 years old.

Friday’s launch ceremony also honored long-time Eastern employee, Kenny Winpigler, who retired in October 5, 2018 after 33 years with Eastern, most recently as Senior Project Manager overseeing the SSG Michael H. Ollis construction. His wife, Rebekah Winpigler, served as the vessel’s sponsor and broke the traditional bottle of champagne to christen the ferry

The three Ollis Class double-ended 4,500 passenger ferries, are being built to an Elliot Bay Design Group design. Glosten Associates, Inc. is serving as the onsite owner’s representative for the duration of the project.

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 drivinga 480 V, 60 Hz, 3-phase generator rated at 425 kW at 0.8 PF @ 1,800 rpm.

The three Ollis Class ferries have the following characteristics:

  • Length Overall: 320’-0”
  • Length on Design Load Waterline: 308’-3 1/2”
  • Beam, Molded: 70’-0”
  • Beam over Guards: 70’-3”
  • Depth at Main Deck at Side: 21’-6”
  • Design Draft: 13’-0”
  • Installed Horsepower: 9,980 HP
  • Fuel Oil Capacity: (95%, approximate)30,000 gal
  • Minimum Seating Capacity: 2,551
  • Maximum Passenger Capacity: 4,500
  • Crew:16
  • Regulatory: ABS +A1, Ferry Service, River Service, +AMS Notation. USCG Subchapter H Passenger Vessel
Ferry prior to launch
Categories: Ferries, News, Shipyard News Tags: ,