STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The second of three new Staten Island ferryboats has arrived in New York City.
The Sandy Ground cruised under the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge just after 10 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, crossing the St. George waterfront before heading into the Kill van Kull toward Caddell Dry Dock in West Brighton.
Upon reaching Caddell, the ferry will undergo cleaning, another round of sea trials and training before being put into service sometime in 2022.
The boat — named for the historic community settled by freed slaves in Rossville — departed Port St. Joe, Fla., on Dec. 8.
Towed up the East Coast by Dann Ocean Towing, the Sandy Ground was set to arrive during the week of Dec. 20.
The new ferry was constructed by Eastern Shipbuilding Group, which has already delivered the first new Staten Island ferryboat, the SSG Michael H. Ollis, and is currently in the process of completing the third boat, the Dorothy Day.
The boat is better equipped than previous Staten Island ferryboats, to operate in a wide range of weather conditions and locations, as well as being used in emergency evacuation situations, if necessary.
Like the Ollis, Sandy Ground was modeled after the John F. Kennedy boat, where riders can have outdoor promenades and extended foredecks.
“I am pleased to announce the newest Staten Island Ferry Sandy Ground is being delivered to New York City. This vessel honors our nation’s African-American heritage and will tell the story of the landmark Sandy Ground community,” said Joey D’Isernia, president of Eastern Shipbuilding Group.
