38 JUNE 2019 • FOGHORN Three Wisconsin-based PVA members have teamed up for large-scale project. Washington Island Ferry Line (WIFL), Washington Island, and Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, Sturgeon Bay, have signed an agreement to construct a new, year-round passenger/ vehicle ferry for service across Wisconsin’s Death’s Door Passage on Lake Michigan that was designed by Seacraft Design, LLC, of Sturgeon Bay. The new ferry, measuring 124-ft. length, 40-ft. beam and 10-ft. 8 in. draft, will be named Madonna after a schooner that used to ply the waters around Washington Island more than 100 years ago.  The new ferry will have capacity for as many as 28 vehicles and 150 passengers. The vessel will be the largest in the WIFL fleet to-date. Construction has already begun and the ferry is scheduled for delivery in late May 2020.  Planning for the new vessel began three years ago when the need to add capacity to the existing fleet became apparent. “The Madonna will not replace an existing vessel,” said Washington Island Ferry Line President Hoyt Purinton. “We are expanding our fleet to keep up with demand and the ability to offer year-round service across the lake due to the design of its hull structure is important to our operation and the local economy,” Purinton explained. Similar to the icebreaker Arni J. Richter, launched in 2003, this newest ferry design will also incorporate ice capabilities in addition to adding sig- nificant vehicle capacity throughout the year. Twin CAT-C32 MEMBERNEWS Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding to Build New Seacraft Design Ferry for Washington Island Ferry Line Gathered to witness the signing of the new ferry contract were:  Justin Slater, Hoyt Purinton,Todd Thayse, Rich Ellefson, Steve Propsom and Ryan Hoernke.