August 8, 2024 
2024 - 09 
Progress made on incoming VITRAN Ferry 
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—As the territory awaits the arrival of the new VITRAN Ferry, the Department 
of Public Works is providing an update on the construction of the vessel. 
The Incat Crowther-designed catamaran is currently being constructed by Gulf Craft, LLC in 
Franklin, Louisiana. Recently, the framing and plating of the deck and cabin were completed. 
Currently, all the metal work is being finished to prepare the boat for sandblasting and painting. 
As well, various systems from fuel to water piping are being installed.  
Construction of the ferry—recently named “The Spirit of 1733” by Virgin Islands’ residents—began 
in November 2023, following the award of the Federal Transit Administration’s 2022 Passenger 
Ferry Grant in January that same year. 
The new ferry will be built with accessibility and an elevated customer experience in mind. It will 
feature two ADA-compliant bathrooms, including five dedicated wheelchair accessible spaces, a 
fully enclosed luggage room on the main deck level, along with integrated side boarding ramps for 
a safe and efficient boarding experience. 
The ferry will be capable of transporting up to 300 passengers. The air-conditioned main cabin 
provides seating for up to 200 passengers and the vessel’s upper deck will transport up to 100 
passengers in outdoor seating. 
The new passenger vessel will service the route between Red Hook on the island of St. Thomas, and 
Cruz Bay on the island of St. John. Currently, two other Incat Crowther-designed vessels service this 
route.  
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DPW…On the move!