Newbuilds & Orders
Georgia contracts Derecktor for a 150-passenger Sapelo Island ferry
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has contracted Derecktor Shipyards to build a 70' catamaran ferry for Sapelo Island. WorkBoat reported on 29 October 2026 that the 150-passenger vessel, designed by Chartwell Marine, is to be built at Dania Beach, Florida, with construction scheduled to begin before year-end. It will run between Meridian Dock and Marsh Landing Dock, and the existing state ferry will be kept as a reserve.
Source: WorkBoat (opens in a new tab)
WorkBoat reported on 29 October 2026 that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has contracted Derecktor Shipyards, of Mamaroneck, N.Y., to build a 70' catamaran ferry to serve Sapelo Island. Construction is scheduled to begin before year-end at the shipbuilder’s Dania Beach, Fla., yard.
Chartwell Marine, of Southampton, U.K., designed the 150-passenger ferry. It will operate between Meridian Dock on the mainland and Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island in McIntosh County, Ga. It will transport residents, researchers and visitors, along with cargo, building materials, everyday supplies and scientific equipment. The newbuild will become the island’s primary ferry, and the existing state-operated vessel will be retained as a reserve. WorkBoat said the contract value, propulsion specifications and a delivery date were not disclosed.
Christophe Rident, senior naval architect at Chartwell Marine, said: “We’ve worked closely with Georgia DNR to develop a vessel tailored to the route, with a focus on minimizing lifecycle costs and maintenance downtime.” WorkBoat reported that Rident described it as the Dania Beach yard’s first commercial ferry project, and that Derecktor said it also marks Chartwell’s first commercial ferry design in the U.S.