Island Home heads for new home

By Nelson Sigelman - February 1, 2007

The Steamship Authority's newest ferry, the double-ended Island Home, departed the VT Halter Marine's Pascagoula Operations in Pascagoula, Mississippi Monday afternoon, headed for the boatline's Fairhaven facility.

She is expected to take seven to ten days to complete her journey around the tip of Florida and up along the east coast, under the command of a crew from VT Halter. Along for the ride as observers are an SSA engineer and captain.

Reports on the vessel's performance have been good, said SSA general manager Wayne Lamson. He told The Times that the $32 million ferry is more fuel-efficient than the Islander, the ferry she is scheduled to replace.

The Island Home departs VT Halter Marine's Pascagoula Operations facility on her way home. Photos courtesy of VT Halter Marine

The Island Home is expected to arrive in Fairhaven late Monday or early Tuesday. The exact time will depend on the weather. For now, the boatline is keeping a wary eye on any potential storms. "We don't want to take any chances," Mr. Lamson said.

The Island Home is capable of carrying 1,200 passengers, 650 inside, and 76 cars, including 16 on hydraulic lift decks. The decks will allow the freight deck to be configured either for trucks or for 16 additional small vehicles.

Mr. Lamson said the new boat would provide people with plenty of room to spread out. Islanders will have an opportunity to get a firsthand look and test the seat cushions before she begins regular service.

A public commissioning is planned for Saturday, March 3, at the SSA's Vineyard Haven terminal.

The lunch counter area has stools, tables, and soft lighting.	The starboard lift deck is down. If in operation and ready to receive vehicles the folding safety fence (now down in the photo) would be upright.	Passengers will discover a spacious lunch counter and refreshment area.
The seating area adjacent to the lunch counter, looking forward.	Seating along the mezzanine deck features large windows.	A lounge area on the main deck provides a comfortable place to sit and read or just talk. A nearby quiet area is intended to provide a refuge from cell-phone users.