Chatham Area Transit Hybrid Passenger Ferries

Marine Jet Power Ultrajet 305

In June 2024, Derecktor Shipyards New York made history by launching two hybrid passenger ferries for Chatham Area Transit in Savannah, Georgia. The introduction of The Juliette Gordon Low II and The Susie King Taylor II, as the first hybrid passenger ferries in the U.S. powered by waterjet propulsion, represented a significant milestone for the shipyard and marked an important step in the evolution of urban marine transportation.

These ferries, built to support Chatham Area Transit’s expanding network, operate between City Hall, Trade Center, and Waving Girl Landing.

Vessel information

Each ferry measures 65 feet and features an aluminum catamaran hull, each carrying up to 149 passengers per trip. Both vessels rely on dual MJP Ultrajet 305 waterjets, a BAE Systems HybriGen Power system, and two Cummins 6.7L Marine Diesel Engines with HDS 200 ISG generators to meet performance and sustainability goals. These systems charge the 308 kWh XALT lithium-ion battery packs, ensuring reduced emissions without compromising power or performance.

The serial hybrid system optimizes power distribution, improving efficiency while lowering environmental impact. Combined with the advantages of waterjets, these features enhance maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and shallow-water access.

Why the Ultrajet 305?

Frequent docking and unpredictable currents demanded a propulsion system with precise control and shallow-water adaptability. The MJP Ultrajet 305 met these challenges while also supporting hybrid-electric integration.

Erik Derecktor of Derecktor Shipyards New York highlighted the project’s importance: “Building these hybrid waterjet ferries for Chatham Area Transit allowed us to further solidify our position as a leader in this evolving field.” Marine Jet Power is proud that our waterjets played a crucial role in this sustainability-driven project and contributed to an important step in the evolution of urban marine transportation.

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