GC shipyards deliver for NYC

New York City's new NYC Ferry transport network is more popular than the region expected. Last week, NYC Ferry announced it had reached the 1 million rider mark in only 86 days, one month ahead of schedule. The service's East River, South Brooklyn and Rockaway routes are in full operation, with a route covering Astoria set to start Aug. 29, and two new routes planned for next year. The city and service operator Hornblower have already chartered-in two additional vessels, and expanded shipbuilding orders. The agencies ordered 20 aluminum catamaran ferries from Gulf Coast shipbuilders Horizon Shipbuilding of Bayou La Batre, Ala., and Metal Shark of Jeanerette, La. The city's service contract called for rapid construction, and the Gulf Coast yards delivered. Vessels began arriving in April, and NYC Ferry started the following month ahead of schedule. (Source: Marine Executive 08/07/17)