Spirit of 1733, a new state-of-the-art, EPA tier 4 compliant 104-foot (32-metre) passenger ferry designed by global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther for the U.S Virgin Island’s Department of Public Works has entered service. The new vessel is operating on a busy tourist and commuter route between Red Hook on the island of St. Thomas and Cruz Bay on the island of St. John in the U.S Virgin Islands.
Named after a historic slave rebellion on the island of St. John in 1733, the USCG Subchapter-K approved vessel will join two existing Incat Crowther-designed 28-metre passenger ferries that have been operating on the route for over a decade.
Built by Gulf Craft LLC in Louisiana, USA,Spirit of 1733 has been designed with accessibility, performance and passenger comfort in mind and is capable of transporting up to 300 passengers at speeds of up to 28 knots. The vessel is equipped with the latest diesel engine emission control technologies in compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 standards.
The air-conditioned main cabin features seating for up to 202 passengers, including five dedicated wheelchair-accessible spaces, two ADA-compliant bathrooms, and a fully enclosed luggage room. Integrated side boarding ramps are provided to ensure safe and efficient boarding and disembarkation.
The upper deck offers spacious outdoor seating for up to 100 passengers, while the wheelhouse provides the captain with an excellent line of sight, 360-degree visibility, and wing helm stations to assist with safe docking operations.
Commissioner of the U.S Virgin Island’s Department of Public Works Derek Gabriel said: “We are incredibly pleased with the positive impact that Spirit of 1733 has since entering into service. From the outset, we wanted a ferry that was designed specifically for our routes, our ports, and the conditions our operators and passengers deal with every day. Incat Crowther has delivered on that brief with Spirit of 1733 connecting our communities, supporting commerce between districts, and giving residents and visitors a more dependable way to travel between St. Thomas and St. John.”
Incat Crowther USA Managing Director Grant Pecoraro said the delivery of Spirit of 1733 further strengthens Incat Crowther’s proven track record in the Caribbean.
“Incat Crowther has extensive experience designing and delivering tailored passenger ferries for operators throughout North America. Spirit of 1733 is another example of our track record of partnering with local operators and shipyards to create locally made, bespoke vessels. This US-made vessel is a modern, efficient and accessible addition to the U.S Virgin Islands’ fleet,” said Mr Pecoraro.
To read more about Incat Crowther’s work designing world-leading ferries, click here.