PANAMA CITY, FL – Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a contract to construct the newest Fisher Island Ferry for the Fisher Island Community Association, Inc. (FICA) in Florida. The vessel will be constructed at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities and is expected for delivery in 2026.
“Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) delivered the vehicle passenger ferry HERON to the Fisher Island Community Association, Inc. (FICA) over twenty (20) years ago, and we understand that she has been the most reliable ferry in their fleet. We look forward to delivering another robust and reliable ESG built ferry that will serve the residents of Fisher Island for decades to come,” said Joey D’Isernia, Chairman and CEO of ESG. “In collaboration with FICA and Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG), this ferry will be built with yacht style finishes and will provide safe and comfortable transportation for the residents of the Fisher Island Community.”
“The HERON is probably the most reliable ferry in our fleet,” said Roberto Sosa, President and CEO of Fisher Island Community Association, Inc. (FICA). “The quality and design of this specific ferry, along with their reputations in the industry, are the main reasons we chose Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) and Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG). We look forward to continuing our relationship with them throughout the construction of this ferry.”
“Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) is excited to continue our longstanding relationship with the Fisher Island Community Association, Inc. (FICA) and collaborate on another exceptional ferry project,” said John Waterhouse, Principal in Charge at EBDG. “Partnering once more with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) emphasizes our commitment to designing and delivering top-tier vessels while maintaining strong client relationships. Together, we look forward to bringing Fisher Island’s vision to life with yet another innovative and reliable ferry design.”
VESSEL SPECS:
Customer – Fisher Island Community Association, Inc.
Delivery – Spring 2026
Type – Auto and Passenger Ferry
Length Overall – 152′-0″
Beam – 52′-0″
Depth 12′-0″
Draft 8′-0″
Horsepower (@1800 RPM) 1200 BHP total
Automobile Capacity 30
Passenger Capacity 150
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A rendering of the ferry is located here.
About Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) is an American owned and operated shipbuilder with three shipyards on the Florida Gulf Coast. They build world class vessels for national defense and commercial clients, including the U.S. Coast Guard’s Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutters. ESG is the largest private sector employer in Northwest Florida and is a 2017 recipient of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Small Business of the Year award. With a portfolio of over 350 vessels and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) certified systems, ESG is known as one of the most diverse vessel construction companies in the country. www.easternshipbuilding.com
