b'VESSEL:American Anthem, American Encore, American Grace, American Mariner,FOGHORN FOCUS American Maverick, American Navigator,American Ranger, plus two yet unnamedOPERATOR:American Cruise LinesBUILDER:Chesapeake ShipbuildingTYPE:Overnight cruise shipAmericanCruiseLinescontinuesitssteadypaceofex-panding its fleet with nine new vessels planned for comple-tion through 2028. These include five new vessels in their American Riverboats line and four of their Patriot Class ships, part of their ongoing Project Blue series. These addi-tions will bring the size of the fleet to 30 ships. The new cruise ships in the American Riverboat series in-The Patriot Class ships feature capacity for 130 guests, fiveclude American Encore launching in 2026, followed by sis-decks, suites with private balconies, multiple guest lounges,ter ships, American Anthem in 2027, and American Grace bow terrace and observation area, a fitness center, a grandin 2028. Two more presently unnamed ships will follow in dining room and casual caf, as well as elevator access to all2028. These vessels have a larger capacity of 180 passen-decks. Joining this line are American Maverick and Amer- gers, offering all guests private balcony accommodations. ican Ranger, launching in 2026, and American MarinerThe five decks feature multiple dining options, a fitness and American Navigator, launching in 2027. All four willcenter, a top deck lounge with an outdoor walking track, sail East Coast itineraries that the company offers.among other amenities. The catamaran will join two nearly identical ferries deliv-ered in 2025, providing clean, quiet, and efficient transpor-tation to commuters and visitors in Savannah. The previ-PHOTOS THIS PAGE FROM TOP: AMERICAN CRUISE LINES, DEJONG & LEBET, INC PHOTOS THIS PAGE FROM TOP: EASTERN SHIPBUILDING GROUP, INC; ELLIOTT BAY DESIGN GROUPous two ferries were also designed by DeJong & Lebet and built at Derecktor Shipyard. The new ferry will have some design improvements from the first two vessels. The vessel features an enclosed main deck with Freedman seating and AC (11 tons) and heat and forward boarding area on the main deck. The aluminum twin hull vessel will carry 800 gallons of fuel. The hybrid propulsion systems on all three ferries significantly lower fuel consumption and minimize environmental impact of the fleet. The ferry is OPERATOR:Chatham Area Transit Authority powered by a hybrid electric propulsion system with a pair NAVAL ARCHITECT:DeJong & Lebet, Inc. of Cummins variable speed diesel generator sets develop-BUILDER:Derecktor Shipyard ing 200 kW each, and a pair of Lithium-ion battery banks TYPE:Passenger ferry with a capacity of 196 kW-hr each. The 250 HP electric propulsion motors drive jet drive units furnished by MJP Chatham Area Transit has contracted to build a third 65Ultrajet. The hybrid electric system also provides power to hybrid passenger ferry for its Savannah River fleet. Therun the house loads. Several other PVA associate members Subchapter T vessel will have a capacity of 150 passengersare involved in the project with keel coolers provided by plus two crew on protected waters. It is scheduled for deliv- Fernstrum, the fire suppression system from Fireboy, Ayres ery in the summer of 2026. wall panels, and lighting from IMTRA.FOGHORN 46'