Hornblower NYC Ferries Carry Sea-Fire Protection

Safety is a paramount concern to the NYC Ferry Service. That's why as Horizon Shipbuilding and Metal Shark continue to add to Hornblower's new fleet of 19 catamaran ferries, each will launch with state-of-the-art engineered fire detection and suppression systems from Sea-Fire Marine.

There are two designs for the Incat Crowther 85' x 26' 150-passenger vessels, River and Rockaway, each with a slightly different engine space. Tested and approved in accordance with IMO, SOLAS, Lloyds MCA and USCG requirements, Sea-Fire's H-Series fire suppression system was the ideal solution. It's engineered for a specific application, in this case to protect each of the hull's powerful 803 bhp @ 2,100 rpm Baudouin 6 M26.3 Class P3 engines.

These suppression systems are linked to a single USCG-approved Sea-Fire FireStop Fire Control Panel. This advanced detection device provides instant and clear identification of alarms and events, such as fire, heat and smoke. It provides crew the critical information needed for an immediate response.

"We're honored to be chosen as the fire protection system aboard the New York City ferries," said Ernie Ellis, Sea-Fire Marine president. Ellis is an ABYC standing member on the A-4 Fire Fighting Equipment committee and member of the National Fire Protection Association.

Expected to be completed in 2018, the 19 vessels will run six routes, covering a total of over 60 miles. The service is run by Hornblower. For more than 30 years, its fleet of over 70 passenger vessels have taken visitors to attractions such as Alcatraz Island, the Statue of Liberty and Niagara Falls. It's the largest dining cruise and charter yacht company in the U.S. Its websites are www.ferry.nyc and www.hornblower.com.

Sea-Fire Marine is committed to protecting people and property at sea. It manufactures innovative fire detection and suppression equipment used on commercial, naval and recreational vessels worldwide. Contact Sea-Fire Marine, 9331-A Philadelphia Rd., Baltimore, MD 21237. 800-445-7680 or 410-687-5500. www.sea-fire.com.