Page 42: of Marine News Magazine (September 2025)

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Vessels

ESG Snags WSF Hybrid-Electric Ferries Deal

ESG

Eastern Shipbuilding Group received the Notice to mitted to delivering world-class vessels that re? ect the best

Proceed from Washington State Ferries (WSF) to build of American shipbuilding, innovation, and environmen- two with an option for an additional 160-vehicle hybrid- tal stewardship.” The hybrid/electric vessels have a length electric ferries for the State of Washington. This milestone overall of 409.5 ft. with an 83.2-ft beam and a hull depth follows the ? rst competitive bid for ferry construction in of 24.5-ft. They will be certi? ed to transport 160 standard- more than 25 years for the nation’s largest ferry system. sized passenger vehicles and 1500 passengers. With a draft “We are honored to move forward with Washington State of 16’-6”, the ferries will achieve a speed of 17 knots at full

Ferries on this historic initiative,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO load and are designed to interface with all existing WSF of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “We are deeply com- dock facilities.

Rolls-Royce mtu Series 4000 Engines for new Catalina Express Ferry

Express vessels maintaining capacity and increasing envi- ronmental performance. The vessel will serve as a next- generation leader of the ? eet, showcasing the company’s commitment to sustainable operations.

Founded in 1981, Catalina Express has grown from an operator with a single 60-passenger vessel into a multi-ship ? eet and leading provider of marine transportation from mainland California to Santa Catalina Island. Most of the vessels in the company’s current ? eet feature mtu engines.

Rolls-Royce was selected by Catalina Express of San Pe- Over the past four decades, the company has transported dro, CA, to supply the marine propulsion system for its new more than 33 million passengers, offering up to 30 daily 500-passenger ferry, which when delivered will be the largest roundtrips year-round from three mainland ports: San Pe- in the Catalina Express ? eet. The vessel will be powered by dro; Long Beach; and Dana Point. The new ferry will be four EPA Tier 4-certi? ed mtu 12V4000 M65L engines, de- based out of the company’s San Pedro terminal. livering a combined output of over 7463 kW (10,000 bhp). Designed by Incat Crowther of Lafayette, LA, the new

The new ferry is part of the Port of Los Angeles’ $31m LA vessel is being built by Marine Group Boat Works of Chula

MER project, funded by the California Air Resources Board Vista, CA. The ship’s engines will be integrated with an mtu (CARB). Via the project, Catalina Express received a $15 mil- monitoring and control system and Hamilton brand water- lion grant, matching it with $15 million of its own investment. jets. MSHS Paci? c Power Group of Kent, WA serves as the

The goal of the LA MER project is to test ways to reduce emis- distribution partner for the project and will oversee the cus- sions as the Port works toward becoming a zero-emission port. tom packaging, installation and sea trials of the propulsion

The new 42-meter ferry, which will be able to reach system. The mtu engines are scheduled for delivery in Q4 speeds up to 37 knots, will replace three older Catalina 2025, with completion of the vessel expected in late 2026. 42 | MN September 2025