The Trust for Governors Island
EBDG is proud to support the Trust for Governors Island with their ferry transportation needs. In 2017, after responding to an Invitation for Bid, EBDG and Blount Boats were selected to design and build a small passenger-only ferry vessel. One vessel of this design, the GOVERNORS 1, is currently in operation providing transportation between the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan and Soissons Landing. We have since been contracted to prepare a contract design for replacement of their vehicle ferry, LT SAMUEL S COURSEN. The new hybrid-electric passenger-vehicle ferry, HARBOR CHARGER, built at Conrad Shipyard is now in operation.
EBDG’s Scope
GOVERNORS 1
EBDG provided contract and detail design according to a very clear set of Owner’s Requirements developed by another design firm. The double-ended passenger only ferry has an overall length of 132', a beam of 40', a depth of 13' and a draft of 7.5'. The vessel has a capacity of 400 passengers and meets USCG Subchapter K regulations.
The design was simple as the vessel requirements were clear. However, the biggest challenge our team faced was hydrodynamics of the vessel due to the speed and maneuverability requirements. Our team utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to determine optimal hull form based upon the vessel's specifications.
After vessel construction our engineers conducted a full vessel 3D scan using Matterport. We were able to overlay the 3D images produced from the scan with our vessel rendering. This was a great learning experience in design practicality.
HARBOR CHARGER
EBDG provided contract design, electrical engineering, and owner's representative services for the HARBOR CHARGER, a 190-foot hybrid-electric passenger/vehicle ferry for The Trust for Governors Island. The vessel accommodates up to 1,200 passengers and 30 service vehicles, operates under USCG Subchapter K regulations, and was designed to replace the aging LT. SAMUEL S. COURSEN.
A primary focus of the project was integrating a first-of-its-kind Siemens BlueDrive Eco® hybrid propulsion system while preparing the vessel for a future transition to fully electric operation. EBDG coordinated the hybrid propulsion integration with equipment vendors, developed shoreside charging infrastructure concepts supporting Passenger Ferry Grant Program funding, performed electrical analyses and concept-level power studies, and reviewed construction documents to support successful vessel integration. During construction, EBDG served as the Owner's Representative at Conrad Shipyard and continues to provide technical support throughout the vessel's warranty period.
Vessel Particulars
The Trust for Governors Island
132’
40’
USCG Subchapter K
400 passengers
190’
62’
USCG Subchapter K
1200 passengers and 220 LT of vehicle weight
Owner:
GOVERNORS 1
Length:
Beam:
Regulatory:
Capacity:
HARBOR CHARGER
Length:
Beam:
Regulatory:
Capacity:
Design Features
The GOVERNORS 1 operates a tight schedule, including three roundtrips each hour. Our design had to allow for heavy traffic flow during the boarding process. The interior of the vessel is pretty simple: seating is provided along the exterior perimeter of the passenger deck while the center of the vessel is left open for standing. Other design requirements included room for bike storage, good throughput to provide for efficient passenger flow, a vessel with high maneuverability and enough speed to make the required schedule.
The propulsion system is comprised of two Cummins QSK19, Tier III, 800 bhp (600 bkW) main engines operating at 1,800 rpm, driving Hundested 63-inch (1.6-metre) controllable pitch propellers via Hundested CPG38 3.96:1 gearboxes. The Hundested CPP and high lift rudder provide the power and functionality the owner was looking for.
The HARBOR CHARGER was designed to provide reliable, year-round transportation between Lower Manhattan and Governors Island while supporting the Trust's long-term sustainability goals. The vessel's hybrid-electric architecture allows it to operate in diesel-electric hybrid mode today and transition to fully electric operation as shoreside charging infrastructure becomes available. This flexible approach reduces emissions, improves operational efficiency, and provides a practical pathway toward zero-emission ferry service.
The propulsion system features the Siemens BlueDrive Eco® hybrid-electric propulsion system, paired with Schottel azimuthing thrusters that provide exceptional maneuverability and precise vessel control in New York Harbor. The vessel also incorporates accessible passenger spaces, modern amenities, and efficient passenger and vehicle loading arrangements to support high-capacity operations while maintaining a comfortable passenger experience.
In the Media
Vessel Review | GOVERNORS 1 - 400-Passenger Ferry for the Popular Route Between Manhattan and Governors Island by Baird Maritime - Read More
Vessel Review | HARBOR CHARGER – 1,200-Passenger Hybrid-Electric Ferry Serving Governors Island - Read More
Vessel Recognition | HARBOR CHARGER Named One of WorkBoat's 10 Significant Boats of 2025 - Read More