The USD 49.7 million project includes HOLLY BEACH and sister vessel CAMERON, each measuring 58 × 15 × 4 metres and carrying up to 34 vehicles. They will replace the 1964-built CAMERON II. CAMERON is expected to be completed in late November.

Designed by Elliott Bay Design Group, the ferries will improve reliability for traffic crossing the Calcasieu Ship Channel. When CAMERON II is unavailable, a temporary side-loading ferry cannot accommodate trucks longer than 15 metres, forcing them onto a detour adding more than two hours.

The new USCG Subchapter H ferries will maintain service for large commercial vehicles when one vessel is unavailable and support emergency evacuations.

They are among the first US-built ferries equipped with Siemens Energy’s Blue Drive Eco hybrid propulsion system. Diesel engines share the load with batteries, maximising battery used to reduce exhaust emissions. Both vessels also feature Thrustmaster azimuthing thrusters.

Secretary of DOTD, Glenn Ledet joined state and local leaders to celebrate the christening.

"Completing the first of two new ferryboats for the Cameron Crossing marks a major milestone for this project. We’re replacing an aging ferry that has been in service since the 1960s. Our administration is dedicated to modernizing Louisiana’s infrastructure and attracting economic development through projects like this one," Glenn Ledet said.

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© Shippax

Rendering of HOLLY BEACH / CAMERON. © Elliott Bay Design Group