Construction on a new 157ʹ catamaran passenger ferry designed by digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther for fellow PVA member Hy-Line Cruises is now underway. The vessel will operate on Hy-Line Cruise’s tourism and commercial routes connecting Hyannis, Mass., with the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
Capable of transporting up to 493 passengers across three passenger decks, the vessel has a top speed over 30 knots and has been designed specifically for the unique local conditions experienced off the coast of Cape Cod.
The commissioning of the vessel builds on the more than 30-year partnership between the two companies, which has seen Incat Crowther design and deliver five vessels for Hy-Line Cruises.
The vessel is powered by four Cummins QSK60-M Tier 4 engines driving four Hamilton HTX65 waterjet units, meeting U.S. emissions standards for domestic ferry operations. Composite shafting supplied by Driveline Service of Portland is incorporated into the drivetrain, reducing weight and maintenance requirements. The aluminum hull and superstructure construction supports the vessel’s performance targets, ensuring efficient and safe operations and features active ride control technology supplied by Naiad.
The vessel’s main deck offers indoor seating for 166 passengers and a large luggage room with a dedicated bicycle rack. The mid-deck features indoor seating for 154 passengers, as well as covered and heated outdoor seating for 88 passengers. The vessel’s wheelhouse deck offers heated outdoor seating for 140 passengers. Passenger flow across the vessel has been enhanced via multiple indoor and outdoor staircases connecting all three passenger decks.
Construction on the new vessel is expected to be completed by 2028.