Page 34: of Marine News Magazine (January 2013)

It is no secret: new vessel construction for the passenger vessel industry came to a virtual standstill in conjunction with the troubled economy. For many operators, just keeping the shingle hung, skilled crew at hand and something aß oat at the other end of the mooring line has required the most scrupulous cost controls and strategy. With the results of the past election now set and several years of waiting and seeing under their belts, passenger vessel operators now need to catch up, make the investment, and move forward with a new craft. Boat builders are encouraged by current contracts for passenger ferries and tour boats and pending contracts for more of the same. This market segment has suddenly been revitalized and is on the verge of becoming hot. Shipyards like All American Marine, Blount, Gladding-Hearn, Kvichak, Nichols, and Vigor have all recently beneÞ tted from new orders for passenger vessels. The phones are ringing, quotes are being calculated, and pages in the order books are getting Þ lled.ITÕS A PEOPLE THINGLike any savvy customer, passenger vessel operators are expecting more from their new vessels. Purchasing a multi- mission platform that will attract ridership is the key. Ridership is everything and operators are always looking for ways to maximize passenger capacity. Vessel size plays a large part in capacity constraints, but the USCG also gets their say. By far, the majority of inspected passenger vessels fall into the Subchapter T category which sets a cap at a maximum of 150 passengers on board. The recent change in stability regulations that requires passenger weight calculations to assume 185 pounds (up from 160) per passenger has also had a signiÞ cant impact on the allowable number of passengers. Beyond this, aging baby boomers and the ADAÕs forthcoming vessel design recommendations will require that usable seat space to be reevaluated for greater accessibility. This can mean long ramps, access for scooters, and even elevators. That said; vessels built now, before further enforceable regulations are implemented, can utilize a more practical design for accessibility that wonÕt signiÞ cantly sacriÞ ce headcount. ALL ABOARD ?What do we need to do to get commuters out of their cars and onto a ß oating transit system? For passenger ferries, success is commonly found when there is no other suitable alternative; otherwise, the motivation has to come from cost savings, time savings, emotion, amenities, or a combination thereof. Factors like rising fuel costs will push people to seek a ticket to ride, but it is more likely to be the little things that will end up tipping the decision scales. For example, the airlines have discovered that something as simple as ambient mood lighting can be quite appealing for passengers. Setting the mood for commuters during the dark hours of early morning or evening can easily be accomplished with color changing and dimmable (energy efÞ cient) single Þ xture LEDÕs or LED rope lighting. In todayÕs ÔeÕ-society, connection to the internet and access to a power supply is very high on the list of desirable amenities. Again, the airlines, commuter trains, and even contemporary buses seem to have a good handle on offering both of these features to their customers; yet marine transit seemingly lags far behind. Offering internet at sea will certainly come at a premium, but providing free recharging stations or power outlets can be relatively easy and affordable to install with negligible impact to operating costs. Power to the People Passenger ferry and tour boat market segment has suddenly been revitalized and is on the verge of becoming hot. By Joe HudspethBOATBUILDING Like her two sister ships, Island Packers new boat will haul passengers, campers, and kayaks to the Channel Islands National Park, but the new vessel will be even more versatile with conÞ gurable seating, cargo carrying capacity, and an extendable knuckle crane.January 2013 34 MNMN Jan2013 Layout 32-42.indd 34MN Jan2013 Layout 32-42.indd 341/3/2013 9:47:26 AM1/3/2013 9:47:26 AM