NY’s Governors Island to be Serviced with 400 Passenger Ferry for Weekend Use

The fleet of ferries servicing Governors Island has just doubled in size – to two.

The Trust for Governors Island said that it will begin operating the 400-passenger ferry, Governors 1, this June. The 132 foot-long, 40 foot-wide vessel, built for the trust by Blount Boats, has 800-horsepower engines and was designed as a double-ended steel monohull with one deck for passengers, according to a spokeswoman for the trust.

The ferry will initially deploy on weekends only, increasing the frequency of service to the island from twice to three times an hour, and carrying an additional 1,000 passengers per hour.

“During summer weekends the trust has been ferrying more than 1,200 passengers and vehicles between Manhattan and Governors Island; a second route between the island and Brooklyn will continue to be operated by a contractor,” reported Crain’s New York Business. The primary route for the new vessel will be between the Soissons Dock on the north tip of Governors Island and Battery Maritime Building at 10 South St. in Lower Manhattan.

“We have ambitious goals to make Governors Island a year-round hub for learning, innovation, arts and culture with an extraordinary car-free park that’s open, accessible and activated all four seasons,” said Michael Samuelian, president and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island, in a statement. “The state-of-the-art vessel will not just improve service to our growing visitor population, but it will greatly enhance access for our current and future tenants.”

Just last week, the Trust announced its six-month public season along with its full lineup of programming and activities. Beginning May 1, New Yorkers and visitors alike are invited to enjoy the Island’s open space with unparalleled views of New York Harbor, car-free recreational activities and an expansive calendar of events and public programs just a quick ferry ride from Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.

This year, Governors Island will be open daily from May 1 to October 31, with extended late-night hours every Friday and Saturday between Memorial and Labor Day. Ferries will be free for all visitors during the first week of the season, Wednesday, May 1 to Sunday, May 5, it said.

“We’re excited to kick off another season for New Yorkers to experience the culture and natural beauty of Governors Island,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With a new ferry and extended hours, more New Yorkers will be able to enjoy the Island than ever before.”

“Governors Island continues to bring an easy and affordable escape to all New Yorkers right in the heart of the city,” added Samuelian. “We’re proud to continue to expand access to this Island oasis with the arrival of our brand-new ferry and even more evening hours this season. With new and improved dining options and even more cultural and educational partners from across the city, we are adding more and more amenities to complement the Island’s amazing views and vibrant park.”