Staten Island Ferry

In 2014, EBDG was selected to design a new class of ferries for Staten Island Ferries following the successful completion of its multi-phase preliminary design investigation of the fleet. The double-ended Ollis Class ferries have an overall length of 320' and capacity for 4,500 passengers. The three-vessel class, STAFF SGT. MICHAEL H. OLLIS, SANDY GROUND and DOROTHY DAY were built at Eastern Shipbuilding in Panama City, Florida and have been delivered to New York City Department of Transportation - Staten Island Ferry Division (SIF).  

EBDG’s Scope

EBDG's scope of services for this project included contract design of the ferries, bid support, construction oversight services and delivery support. During construction EBDG provided engineering and design review, and on-site vessel inspection services in support of the SIF contract and construction management team.

Vessel Particulars

SIF

320’

70’

USCG Subchapter H & ABS

4,500 passengers

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Design Features

These double-ended ferries feature the latest marine technology, popular design elements of past Staten Island ferries, and new customer-service amenities. Passenger-focused enhancements include a large snack bar, heated decks to eliminate ice and snow build up, an abundance of USB charging outlets and unobstructed skyline views around the circumference of the bridge deck. Aluminum bench seating has been designed to emulate the look and feel of the wooden benches of the JOHN F. KENNEDY, the oldest operating ferry in their fleet.

Ferries operating in New York Harbor have always been able to serve in a first responder role in times of emergency such as the evacuation of Lower Manhattan during 9/11. The Ollis Class will continue in that tradition. To enhance the Ollis Class emergency response capabilities, the vessel has been fitted with four 16’ rescue boats with 25 HP motors, anchors and capstans at each end, and side doors at amidships. The amidships doors will allow vessel to vessel side transfer or pier to vessel side transfer in addition to current end to end transfer capabilities that are currently part of the Staten Island Ferry standard safety procedures.

In the Media

2021 Boat of the Year by WorkBoat Magazine - Read More

2021 Distinctive Vessel Delivery by Marine Log - Read More

Significant Small Ship of 2021 by The Royal Institution of Naval Architects