Blount Delivers Commuter Ferry For High-Speed Hudson Crossings

Blount Marine Corporation of Warren, R.I., recently completed the 149-passenger, 77-foot, highspeed commuter ferry Port Imperial, said to be the first high-speed commuter ferry built for a Manhattan area run. Designed and built from Blount's patented concept of hull construction, it was delivered to Remus Realty of Port Imperial, N.J., for use as a commuter ferry between West 38th Street in Manhattan and Arcorp Properties, a 350-acre development site across the Hudson River in Weehawken, N.J. On earlier trial runs, the Hudson crossing was made in less than three minutes.

The Port Imperial is a Hitech type fast commuter ferry designed for quick, reliable transportation between terminals to provide a more convenient and comfortable passage for commuters. Certified by the U.S.

Coast Guard to carry 149 seated passengers, the aluminum/foam/fiberglass composite construction of this high-speed craft renders it virtually unsinkable. In addition, as all components are extremely durable, the hull needs minimum maintenance.

The minimum wake produced by the vessel is of significant operational importance.

Combined with the floating Blount Boat-Bus/Passenger Terminal, the Port Imperial will be capable of moving 750-1,000 people per hour crossing the Hudson on its regular route.

Blount's Hitech line includes three basic models: • The 50-foot Water Taxi capable of speeds of up to 30 mph, certified by the Coast Guard for 70 passengers; • the 77-foot Boat Bus, available with USCG certificate for Lakes, Bays, and Sounds to carry 149 passengers in a sound-proof cabin; • the People Mover for 300-400 passengers, an all-aluminum commuter boat with various applications including high-speed commuter shuttle, cruise ship support launch, beach landing excursion craft, and standard ferry use.

These boats are built entirely of durable and low-maintenance materials.

Their tough, easily maintained fiberglass hulls have been tested to withstand loads of more than 10 tons per square foot of surface. The hull has proven capable of breaking six inches of hard ice. According to the builder, the per-passenger seat cost is about the same as that of a standard charter bus, and the operating costs are low.

For further information and fullcolor literature about the Hitech boat line and other Blount designs, Circle 2 0 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 12, Sep 1986

Read Blount Delivers Commuter Ferry For High-Speed Hudson Crossings in Pdf, Flash or Html5 edition of September 1986 Maritime Reporter

Other stories from September 1986 issue

Content

Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.