Page 41: of Marine News Magazine (September 2025)

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Vessels 70-year old M/V Sam Houston to be Replaced

Port Houston selected Incat Crowther to design a new, hybrid electric tour vessel for the port’s Houston Ship

Channel tours. Incat Crowther will partner with Louisiana- based shipbuilder Breaux Brothers on the project, meaning the new vessel will be both designed and built in the U.S.

The new 73-ft. vessel will replace the near 70-year old

M/V Sam Houston, which has been servicing the tour- ism route since the port began offering tours in 1958.

Incat Crowther

Designed to accommodate 150 passengers, the vessel will be capable of operating in an all-electric, battery-powered expansive upper deck accommodates 81 passengers, with mode during regular two-hour educational tours, and will approximately 90% of seating positioned under cover.

be charged via a bespoke shoreside connection using AC/ The upper deck has been designed to optimize passen-

DC converters. ger ? ow and accessibility, enabling guests to safely enjoy

The vessel’s main deck will feature spacious seating for panoramic views while seated or in motion.

68 passengers, including two dedicated wheelchair spaces, Construction on the new vessel is set to begin in the in an air-conditioned cabin that also boasts a kiosk, an second half of 2025, with the vessel expected to enter ser- information counter and four bathrooms. The vessel’s vice by late 2026.

Main Particulars

Length 73 ft.

Beam 28 ft.

Draft 5.25 ft/

Depth 7.8 ft.

Construction Aluminum

Fuel 700 gal.

Fresh Water 250 gal.

Sullage 250 gal.

Crew 6

Passengers 150

Wheelchair accessible passengers 2

Battery Hybrid System Twin Disc

Series Hybrid

Speed (Max) 12 knots

Propulsion Motor 2 x 265kW

Gearbox 2 x Twin Disc MGE-5065 SC

Generators 2 x CAT C9.3 300 kW 235,000 members

Propulsion 2 x Fixed Pitch

Propellers

Energy storage system 768 kWh

Flag USA

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