b'MEMBER NEWSNCDOT Christened New Vesselsin 2024The M/V Avon debuted on the Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach in March of last year. I nSeptember,theNorthCarolina DepartmentofTransportations (NCDOT) Ferry Division officially christened its two newest vessels during a ceremony at the Cherry Branch Ferry Terminal in Havelock.TheM/VAvonandM/VSalvoarePower 2 . 0both river-class ferries, larger than the two Hatteras-class ferries theyre replac- Efficient power for your needsing, which are both more than 30 years old. The new 180 ferries are part of anThrough high torque at low revs, prompt power ongoing effort to upgrade and modern- response, and agile performance, Scania engines ize the aging ferry fleet to reduce main- allow operators to utilize the appropriate amount of power at all times. Our job is to help you run a reliable tenance costs. Each vessel will carry 40and efficient operation. Today and tomorrow.vehicles and 300 passengers. TheM/VSalvowentintoservicewww.scaniausa.com na.contact@scania.cominJune2023whiletheM/VAvon launched on its route in March 2024. The vessels were built by a shipyard in PHOTO: NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FERRY DIVISIONLouisiana and were funded by the Ferry Divisions Vessel Replacement Fund. These ferries represent more than justWe do vessels, said N.C. Ferry Division Di-rector Jed Dixon. They embody prog- more than ress,innovationandaconnectiontocollaborate;our communities.we empower Thetwovesselsarecurrentlyinser- you through vice on the Cherry Branch-Minnesottpartnership Beach route. The North Carolina Ferry Systemisthesecond-largeststate-run ferry system in the United States, oper-ating 21 boats on seven regular routesKongsberg Maritimeacross five bodies of water. Protechting People and Planet51 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025'