Metal Shark gets 5 new ferry orders

JEANERETTE, La. - Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark is again building multiple high-speed aluminum catamaran passenger vessels for the NYC Ferry Service Operated by Hornblower. In August, Metal Shark received orders from Hornblower for four 350-passenger vessels, which are a larger platform than the 150-passenger vessels in the NYC fleet. An additional 150-passenger ferry was also ordered. All of the new vessels are currently in production at Metal Shark’s Franklin, La., waterfront shipyard. Delivery timelines call for all five vessels to be completed and delivered in 2018. In July 2016, Metal Shark was selected to build six 150-passenger, Incat Crowther-designed aluminum catamaran ferries for the NYC Ferry System. Metal Shark delivered all six on time. Established in 1986, Gravois Aluminum Boats LLC and its government/commercial boat entity Metal Shark Boats are leading suppliers of custom boats for defense, law enforcement, and commercial entities. (Source: Metal Shark 09/26/17)