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Expert Passenger Vessel and Ferry Design

At Gilbert Associates, our extensive design and consulting experience means we are uniquely positioned to combine effective, time-tested principles of naval architecture with cutting-edge, innovative marine engineering solutions.

Our approach to passenger vessel and ferry design is no exception, with one of our earliest ferries still trekking between Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick, and one of our newest vessels being the first hybrid diesel/electric ferry designed and constructed in New England.

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Featured Passenger Vessels

Passenger Vehicle Ferries

M/V Charles Norman Shay

The 104’ M/V Charles Norman Shay was commissioned by the Maine State Ferry Service in Rockland, ME on September 12, 2024, to serve the route linking Rockland and Matinicus Island. Powered by CAT C-18 diesel engines and operating at a service speed of 13 knots, she has a capacity of 149 passengers and 7 cars. The ferry was named after Charles Norman Shay, a member of the Penobscot Nation who served as a combat medic in WWII, saving many lives on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion.

3. 166'-6_ Passenger Vehicle Ferry - MV Margaret Chase Smith (5)

3. 166'-6_ Passenger Vehicle Ferry - MV Margaret Chase Smith (4)

3. 166'-6_ Passenger Vehicle Ferry - MV Margaret Chase Smith (3)

3. 166'-6_ Passenger Vehicle Ferry - MV Margaret Chase Smith (2)

M/V Margaret Chase Smith

In 1987, The M/V Margaret Chase Smith was commissioned by the Maine State Ferry Service to carry up to 250 passengers and 33 cars between Lincolnville and Isleboro. A Gilbert Associates design, we continue to oversee any necessary updates and renovations to the vessel. The 166’-6” ferry was named after Senator Margaret Chase Smith, a Maine native who served first in the U.S. House of Representatives, and later as a U.S. senator. The retired Senator Smith was present at the M/V Margaret Chase Smith’s commissioning on December 1, 1987.

M/V Block Island

Designed by Gilbert Associates, this 185’ LWL passenger/ vehicle ferry was built in 1997 by Eastern Shipbuilding. Capable of carrying 1000 passengers and 38 cars, the Block Island was designed specifically for year-round service between Point Judith and Block Island, RI. 28 years later, the M/V Block Island still makes multiple daily trips to Block Island, no matter the weather.

Passenger Ferries

M/V Island Runner

The M/V Island Runner is a 50’ aluminum passenger ferry designed by Gilbert Associates for the Vermont State Parks Service to cross from Kill Kare State Park to Burton Island State Park in Lake Champlain’s “Inland Sea”. The Island Runner is propelled by two Hamilton 291 waterjets, allowing her to reach high speeds with minimal draft.

14. 194' Passenger Vessel - Provincetown II (1)

14. 194' Passenger Vessel - Provincetown II (2)

14. 194' Passenger Vessel - Provincetown II (3)

M/V Provincetown I & M/V Provincetown II

In 1972, the Bay State Cruise Company commissioned The Provincetown I to carry passengers between Boston and Provincetown. The 135’ Gilbert-designed 600-passenger vessel made her first voyage out of South Bristol, ME in the Damariscotta River, at a cruising speed of 15 knots. When he was just 14, John Gilbert, Jr. served as a crewmember aboard the Provincetown I. In 1980, the Bay State Cruise Company selected Gilbert Associates to design the Provincetown II, a 194’ 900-passenger vessel. While managing a few trips to her namesake town each summer, she mainly spends her time cruising around Boston Harbor.

M/V Outward Bound

Designed by Gilbert Associates in 1994 for service to Thompson Island (also called Cathleen Stone Island) in Boston Harbor, this 60’ LWL passenger vessel is still in service today.

M/V Nelseco

Designed by Gilbert Associates and built by Ed Gamage shipbuilding in East Boothbay ME in 1981, this 125’ passenger ferry carried up to 700 passengers per trip between Narragansett and Block Island, RI.

M/V Bay State

Designed by Gilbert Associates in 1975, this 110’ passenger/vehicle ferry is currently operated by Boston Harbor City Cruises (Owned by Hornblower Group).

M/V Great Point

Designed by Gilbert Associates in 1986-87 for Hy-Line cruises, the 190’ LWL passenger ferry M/V Great Point spent the first 28 years of her life ferrying passengers between Hyannis, MA, and Nantucket Island. The Great Point was unique for having three decks of passenger spaces, including a first-class cabin. Today, Great Point carries tourists on sightseeing tours on New York Harbor.

Excursion Vessels

M/Y Marita

This 45’ trawler yacht was designed by Gilbert Associates in 1998 for a client dissatisfied with the production yachts on the market. Using our expertise in designing trawlers for the rough seas of the North Atlantic, we incorporated these qualities into a sea-kindly and durable yacht. The M/Y Marita is powered by a single Caterpillar 3208 diesel engine for reliable and economical cruising.

S/S Belle of Cincinnati

A.K.A. “Emerald Lady” and sister vessel to the Diamond Lady and Par-a-dice, this 170’ LWL dinner/casino vessel was designed by Gilbert Associates in 1990. Unlike many “retro” paddlewheelers with only decorative free-spinning paddlewheels, these sternwheelers have fully functional paddlewheels that deliver 30% of the vessel’s propulsion.

M/V Harbour Master

Designed by Gilbert Associates in 1993 for Tall Ships (Barbados) Inc., the Harbour Master is a 100’ passenger vessel with a submersible section to allow tourists to get an underwater view of coral reefs.

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Contact the trusted naval architects and marine engineers at Gilbert Associates for all your passenger vessel and ferry design needs. Let us put our experience, expertise, and innovative problem-solving skills to work for you today.