The Trust for Governor’s Island in New York City has contracted with Hornblower Marine to perform a refit on the Governors 1 ferry with a focus on increasing passenger capacity from about 415 to approximately 600 while maintaining the vessel’s subchapter K compliance.
Modifications will focus on opening the double-ended ferry’s upper deck for outdoor use and adding centerline stairs with upgraded handrails and safety barriers. The passenger lounge ventilation system is being upgraded, as are the electrical, lighting, communications, lifesaving, and fire safety systems. There will be space for bike storage. Efficient passenger flow between decks is also a key focus of the project.
Governors 1 is one of two vessels that the Trust runs to bring visitors from the terminal at the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan to Soissons Landing on Governors Island.
Designed by Elliott Bay Design Group and built at Blount Boats, Governors 1 launched in 2019. The steel-hulled ferry is powered by twin 800-hp Cummins QSK19 diesel inboards. Its max speed is 12 knots.
In the fall of 2025, the Trust for Governors Island decided it was time for an upgrade to meet that demand. The organization put out a request for proposals and received five quotes for the job. Hornblower Marine was ultimately chosen. The yard has a history with the Trust, having worked on vessels for the organization in the past.
The ferry is expected to be back in service for the start of the 2026 season.