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Port Jefferson’s newest ferry vessel is officially making its way to Long Island.
The Long Island — a 1,000-passenger ferry capable of carrying 124 cars — has officially joined the fleet of the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, a subsidiary of McAllister Towing.
Constructed by the Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., the 302-foot vessel was launched in May in Panama City, Fla. It is now en route to New York and is expected to arrive in Port Jefferson within the next three days, according to a spokesperson from McAllister Towing.
As of Friday, the ferry was located in Wilmington, N.C. Tap here to live track the Long Island.
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This is the fourth ship in the ferry company’s fleet, and the third active ferry built by Eastern Shipbuilding. Two others, the PT Barnum (1999) and Grand Republic (2003) also hold up to 1,000 passengers, each with room for 120 cars.
“This delivery is a proud moment for our team,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO and chairman of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. “It represents our strong partnership with McAllister Towing and our dedication to enhancing the infrastructure for Long Island’s residents and visitors. The Long Island will be a critical asset, delivering safe, reliable service and embodying our commitment to quality and innovation.”
This is actually the second ferry on the Bridgeport-to-Port Jefferson route to bear the name Long Island. The first operated from 1924 to 1936.
At a top speed of 17 knots the trip time across the Long Island Sound will remain one hour and 15 minutes.
“P.T. Barnum, the founder of the ferry, once said that the noblest art is that of making others happy,” said Buckley McAllister, president of the ferry company. “All of those who have worked to make the ferry service what it is today can be very proud of their role in helping drivers on I-95 and the Long Island Expressway.
“We are very thankful to Eastern Shipbuilding and the D’Isernia family for the happiness this new vessel will bring to our employees and customers for generations to come.”
According to the company, the addition of the Long Island will enhance capacity and reliability, particularly during peak travel periods.
Back in May, GLI interviewed Fred Hall of the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company about the new vessel. Read the Q&A below:
Q: With the addition of the Long Island, will four ferries now be running daily?
A: The plan at the present time is to have a four vessel fleet, which will give the company the opportunity to offer three vessel service on weekends year round, even if one ferry is in the shipyard. This is not possible when only three vessels are in the fleet. While scheduling four vessels is not possible due to conflicting arrivals and departures, the extra vessel can be used to operate as a shuttle during particularly busy periods.
Additionally, a fourth ferry can be assigned charters, excursions and special events. Examples from the past have included trips to Rye Playland and even overnight trips during foliage season on the Hudson River to Albany, N.Y.
Q: Are there any plans for later services to and from Connecticut?
A: The latest that the company schedules runs on weekends is 10 p.m. from Port Jefferson, and 10:15 p.m. from Bridgeport. This generally accommodates the majority of events [from New England]. Some later trips have been added at the specific request of Bridgeport entertainment venues but this does not mean that all entertainment travel needs can be accommodated. When a later-than-normal trip is available, it will be noted on the ferry website.
Q: Can you highlight some new features of the Long Island to look forward to?
A: “Something we have added to the new vessel is a cabin to accommodate those traveling with pets. This was suggested by customers who are allergic or made nervous by pets in the other passenger spaces. The Long Island has been engineered with the environment in mind. Technologically advanced Tier 4 engines will provide reliable propulsion with reduced emissions. And, in 2024, the company expects to take over 500,000 vehicles off the highways on both sides of Long Island Sound thus becoming a substantial and integral part of transportation solutions in our area.”
Photos
All photos courtesy of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.
