Maine's New $21.9 Million Ferry Is New England's Only Hybrid

Rockland was the site on July 30 as state officials unveiled the Capt. Almer Dinsmore, a 154-foot vessel that is the only car ferry in New England running on a combined diesel-and-electric hybrid system, the Bangor Daily News reported. The Maine State Ferry Service says the boat will not carry passengers until fall, once crews finish training on its electric controls; otherwise it is built much like the existing Capt. Richard Spear. When it enters service, the Dinsmore will be based at the Rockland terminal, home to its charging station, and will take over most Vinalhaven crossings. The Capt. E. Frank Thompson will continue running that route too, staying overnight on the island, while the Spear moves to routes still to be assigned and the Capt. Henry Lee, currently serving Swans Island, leaves the fleet rotation. Senesco Shipyard in North Kingston, Rhode Island, built the vessel from a Gilbert & Associates design for $21.9 million, with $16.6 million of that covered by a federal transit grant. It can hold 250 passengers and 23 vehicles, reaches 13 knots at top speed and includes an ADA-compliant elevator. The Coast Guard still needs to inspect the vessel and certify it before the fall launch.

This story was first reported by Bangor Daily News.