The high-speed aluminum catamarans will replace the decades-old ferries currently in use
By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Shipbuilder Metal Shark has completed two new high-speed aluminum catamaran passenger ferries for New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), which will replace the decades-old ferries currently in use.
The first of the two new 105-foot, 150-passenger ferries, RTA 1, was completed earlier this year and delivered to New Orleans in July. The second, RTA 2, successfully passed US Coast Guard inspections in October and will be delivered from Metal Shark’s Franklin, Louisiana shipyard soon.
The vessels were designed by BMT Designers and Planners and built to meet the specific requirements of the RTA using Metal Shark’s 100% digital design methods and its in-house team of over 50 naval architects and maritime engineers. They are powered by twin 715-horsepower Cat C-18 Tier 3 diesel engines and feature a proven, low wake/low wash, high efficiency hull design for reduced environmental impact.
“In the past 18 months, we have delivered over 14 150-passenger and 350-passenger ferries to New York, Washington DC, and now, New Orleans,” said Chris Allard, CEO of Metal Shark. “As a local Louisiana company, it has been an honour to build these modern, comfortable new vessels for the people of New Orleans and visitors from around the world.”