PASCAGOULA, MS, November 24, 2004 – VT Halter Marine Inc., a subsidiary of Vision Technologies Systems Inc. announced today that it has signed a contract, valued at approximately US$31m, to build a double ended passenger / vehicle ferry for Nantucket Steamship Authority (SSA).
The 254 foot ferry is scheduled to be delivered in 2Q2006. It will replace the 54 year old ferry ‘Islander’ in SSA’s fleet, serving the Wood Hole to Martha’s Vineyard route. It will be able to accommodate approximately 1200 passengers and 76 vehicles (cars and semi-trailers).
In addition to access for the disabled, the ferry design includes hydraulic lift decks for 16 cars, allowing for more flexibility in the loading configuration. Powered by two direct drive EMD diesel engines, it has a top speed of about 16 knots. Its double ended design will allow the vessel to head efficiently into a slip without the necessity to turn around.
“We are delighted to announce the award of the construction of the ferry, ‘Island Home’, to VT Halter Marine and anticipate a quality, purpose built ferry for our Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven route.”
Kathryn ROESSEL
Martha’s Vineyard Member
“VT Halter Marine is honored to be selected by SSA to build this ferry and is eager to commence work on this extensive project. Backed by our expertise in the construction of technically sophisticated vessels, I am confident that VT Halter Marine will deliver a vessel of superior quality to serve the operational requirements of SSA well.”
Boyd E. KING
CEO, VT Halter Marine
The Nantucket Steamship Authority (SSA) is a public entity of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Often referred to as “The Lifeline to the Islands”, the SSA is responsible for providing adequate year-round transportation of persons, vehicles, and the necessities of life for the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
VT Halter Marine is the marine operations of Vision Technologies Systems (VTS). Based in Pascagoula, MS, It is a leader in the design and construction of medium-sized ships in the United States. VT Halter Marine designs, builds and repairs a wide variety of ocean-going vessels such as patrol vessels, oil recovery vessels, oil cargo vessels, ferries, logistic support vessels and research ships. Please visit www.vthaltermarine.com.
VTS is a provider of integrated engineering solutions, specializing in the fields of aerospace, electronics, land systems, and marine. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA., VTS has locations throughout North America. VTS offers a broad range of proven innovative services to both the commercial and government sectors. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.
For additional information, please contact:
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Cynthia Borries, Corporate Communications Manager VT Halter Marine Phone: (228) 696-6837 Fax: (228) 696-6969 Email: c.borries@vthaltemarine.com |
Amy McCaskill, Corporate Communications Coordinator VT Systems Phone: (703) 739-2610 Fax: (703) 739-2611 Email: amccaskill@vt-systems.com |