69
MARCH 2026
T
he Trust for Governor’s Island 
in New York City has con-
tracted with Hornblower Ma-
rine to perform a refit on the Gover-
nors 1 ferry with a focus on increasing 
passenger capacity from about 415 to 
approximately 600 while maintaining 
the vessel’s subchapter K compliance. 
Modifications will focus on opening 
the double-ended ferry’s upper deck 
for outdoor use and adding center-
line stairs with upgraded handrails 
and safety barriers. The passenger 
lounge ventilation system is being 
upgraded, as are the electrical, light-
ing, communications, lifesaving, 
and fire safety systems. There will 
be space for bike storage. Efficient 
passenger flow between decks is also 
a key focus of the project. 
Governors 1 is one of two vessels that 
the Trust runs to bring visitors from 
the terminal at the Battery Maritime 
Building in Manhattan to Soissons 
Landing on Governors Island. 
Designed by Elliott Bay Design Group 
and built at Blount Boats, Governors 
1 launched in 2019. The steel-hulled 
ferry is powered by twin 800-hp 
Cummins QSK19 diesel inboards. Its 
max speed is 12 knots.
In the fall of 2025, the Trust for 
Governors Island decided it was time 
for an upgrade to meet that demand. 
The organization put out a request 
for proposals and received five quotes 
for the job. Hornblower Marine was 
ultimately chosen. The yard has a his-
tory with the Trust, having worked on 
vessels for the organization in the past. 
The ferry is expected to be back in 
service for the start of the 2026 season.
MEMBER NEWS
Governor’s Island Ferry to Undergo Refit 
Increasing Capacity
PHOTO: HORNBLOWER MARINE
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