"Time Traveler" is the twelfth 85-foot, 150-passenger USCG Subchapter T NYC Ferry passenger vessel constructed at the Franklin, Louisiana shipyard of Metal Shark after deliveries began in April 2017 to NYC Ferry, operated by Hornblower. For a total of 22 Metal Shark-built ferries for the NYC Ferry service, Metal Shark's Franklin yard also constructed ten 97-foot, 350-passenger, USCG Subchapter K passenger vessels for the operator in that timeframe.

“We are thrilled with the operations and production that the Metal Shark team has been able to deliver for NYC Ferry throughout the past four years by working together through the design process, regulatory changes, hurricanes, pandemics, and more. Throughout the process of delivering an astonishing 22 vessels to the NYC Ferry service fleet, Metal Shark has proven to be a valuable partner to Hornblower Group as we continue to deliver a reliable and best-in-service experience for our customers," stated Junior Volpe, director of special projects, Hornblower Group.

The delivery marks the end of a long and prolific production run. Metal Shark was one of two builders initially chosen for the new NYC Ferry Service in July 2016 to design passenger vessels. With less than ten months from the launch of the project and the delivery of the first vessel, between April and June 2017, Metal Shark delivered all six of the ferries on or before schedule.

On May 1, 2017, NYC Ferry officially launched with "Sunset Crossing" designed by Metal Shark, given the distinction of ferrying the first load of customers on the inaugural revenue trip of the new service. A second order of NYC Ferry vessels under construction was announced by Metal Shark in September 2017.

For four straight years, numerous follow-on orders resulted in the continuous production at Metal Shark Franklin of 150-passenger and 350-passenger NYC Ferry vessels.

Metal Shark is a diversified shipbuilder for defense, law enforcement, and commercial operators specializing in the design and construction of welded aluminum and steel vessels from 16 'to over 300'. The United States Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Army, international military, law enforcement agencies, fire services, operators of passenger vessels, pilot associations, operators of towboats, and other customers worldwide are main customers.

Maritime Business World