VIDEO: Senesco Marine launches and christens new Casco Bay Lines electric ferry

Battery Steele. [Photo: Senesco marine

Senesco Marine has celebrated the launch and christening of Battery Steele, a 164-foot, double-ended ferry built at its North Kingstown, R.I., shipyard for Casco Bay Lines of Portland, Maine.

Designed by Elliott Bay Design Group, Battery Steele is a year-round ferry with capacity for 599 passengers and 15 vehicles, serving the route between Portland and Peaks Island. The vessel features a battery-powered propulsion system supplied by ABB, with primary charging at the Portland terminal and two Caterpillar C18 generators providing backup power. It is the first electrically propelled ferry built in New England.

Senesco Marine, which was recently awarded a contract to construct and outfit a new diesel-electric hybrid passenger and vehicle ferry for the Cape May–Lewes Ferry service. says that the project highlights its expertise in building complex, environmentally advanced passenger vessels. The launch marks a major milestone following extensive structural fabrication, outfitting, electrical integration, and hybrid-system installation by Senesco’s workforce of more than 200 shipbuilders.

The project is funded by the Federal Transit Administration and is Buy America compliant,

Battery Steele will enter service in Casco Bay Lines’ ferry fleet after final testing and commissioning,