Fraser Shipyards To Construct Passenger And Vehicle Ferry For Ohio’s Lake Erie
Fraser Shipyards announced that it has been selected to build a new 26-car ferry for Miller Boat Line, which operates ferries that run from northern Ohio’s Catawba Island Township to South Bass Island and Middle Bass Island, two of Lake Erie’s most popular recreation destinations.
The new all-steel ferry will be 140 feet long and 38.5 feet wide. It will be named the Mary Ann Market, in honor of the late matriarch of the family that owns Miller Boat Line. The ferry will have drive-on-drive-off capability and will join Miller Boat Line’s four other ferries.
“We are excited and honored to have been selected for this project,” said James Farkas, president of Fraser Industries Inc., the parent company of Fraser Shipyards. “We have a long tradition of building Great Lakes vessels at Fraser, including car ferries. We are proud to be Miller Boat Line’s partner. We look forward to delivering a modern vessel that meets all of their needs.”
The ferry will have enhanced propulsion and maneuverability, a fully accessible main deck cabin and restroom and the ability to carry 20 percent more cargo than Miller Boat Line’s largest current vessel.
Fraser will start building the new ferry this fall in modules, which workers then will assemble. When the new ferry is completed in 2019, Fraser will deliver it from Superior to Put-in-Bay, Ohio.
“We chose Fraser due to their enduring high quality, integrity, value and with consideration of recommendations from industry professionals including marine surveyors, lake captains and engineers,” Miller Boat Line President Billy Market said.
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Photo Courtesy: frasershipyards.com
