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A rendering of Seastreak ferry's new $12 million Commodore class vessel, which can carry up to 600 passengers and is expect to be running in late 2017. (Photo courtesy of Seastreak)

Seastreak ferry is upping the ante in the Jersey Shore-New York ferry market, announcing the construction of a new 600-passenger high-speed ferry, which is the company's first in more than a decade and would be the largest vessel in its class.



The first Commodore-class vessel is being built "to accommodate customer volume and provide customer comfort," said Brett Chamberlain, marketing director of the Highlands-based ferry company. "We think it will be an outstanding option."



The new, yet-to-be-named ferry will cost $12 million and will help Seastreak accommodate ridership, which has increased 10 percent over the past year, Chamberlain said.

A rear view of Seastreak's new Commodore class ferry, which is expected to be the largest vessel in it's class of small commuter ferries. (Photo courtesy of Seastreak)

Officials announced construction of the new high-speed luxury ferry in a service alert to commuters on Tuesday. The ferry will be designed by Incat-Crowther of Sydney, Australia, which has designed Seastreak's other vessels, Chamberlain said.



"We plan with the Commodore-class to add to the fleet and increase service," he said.

The ferry will be constructed by Gulfcraft in Louisiana, and is expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2017, he said. The new vessel will have the highest passenger capacity of "K-Class" small commuter ferries and is expected to make the trip between New York and Monmouth County in 40 minutes.

The announcement of the new ferry comes after competitor NY Waterway put two new commuter ferries in service between Monmouth County and New York. The Molly Pitcher made it's maiden voyage in September 2015 and was followed by sister vessel the Betsy Ross, which sailed for the first time on September 1. Both were built by Yank Marine in Tuckahoe.



The new Seastreak ferry will be larger than the current fleet, at 150 feet long and 40 feet wide, and include larger doors and gates to improve the flow of passengers entering and departing the vessel.



Inside the new ferry, commuters will find luxury seats, panoramic windows, all-LED lighting and flat screen televisions, which can be seen from any seat. The vessel has multiple charging stations for electronic devices and WiFi. The ferry will have 520 interior seats and 206 exterior seats on the second and third decks.



The new Commodore-class ferry will augment the older Seastreak class vessels to increase service, Chamberlain said, three of which are scheduled to be repowered and upgraded as part of a $24 million investment by Seastreak. Fares were increased in July to cover the planned upgrade of four ferries.



The last new ferry built for Seastreak was the Seastreak Highlands, which entered service in 2004.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

