Malliotakis Tours Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Christens Third & Final Staten Island Ferry in the Ollis-Class

(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) and the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, today visited Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Florida, to tour their manufacturing facility, meet with some of their 1,200 employees, christen the third and final Staten Island Ferry in the Ollis-class, as well as tour the construction of the new class of U.S. Coast Guard cutters. The 4,500 passenger ferry is expected to arrive in New York Harbor in 2022.

"For more than 200 years, the Staten Island Ferry has been a symbol of New York City's harbor and an integral part of our city's transportation system," said Congresswoman Malliotakis. "As the only member representing New York City on T&I and the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, it was very insightful to see the shipbuilding company that has built the latest class of Staten Island Ferries and FDNY boats that have made their way in and around my district, along with the new class of U.S. Coast Guard cutters that will modernize our Coast Guard's fleet."

Malliotakis added: "Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis is our hometown hero who bravely gave his life for our nation. His name is one that all Staten Islanders can be proud of as they view the best sites New York City has to offer."

The Ollis-class ferries are a trio of passenger ferries designed and built by Eastern Shipbuilding. The class is named after US Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis, a Staten Islander who was killed in action during the War in Afghanistan in 2013. During an assault on his base, Ollis stepped in front of a Polish soldier, 2nd Lt. Karol Cierpica, shielding him from a suicide bomber who would have cost him his life. For his actions, Staff Sgt. Ollis was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the military’s third-highest decoration for valor, along with the Gold Medal of the Polish Armed Forces issued Polish government. The Oakwood Heights VFW Post was also recently renamed in his honor. 

"It’s a distinct privilege for Eastern to have Congresswoman Malliotakis sponsor the third Staten Island Ferry," said Joey D'Isernia, President of Eastern Shipbuilding Group. "Her presence here today illustrates the critical nature of this maritime infrastructure project and both her and Eastern’s absolute commitment to the residents of New York City. We are honored that Congresswoman Malliotakis made such an effort during these challenging times."

About Eastern Shipbuilding Group:

Eastern Shipbuilding Group is one of the most diverse vessel construction companies, building everything from USCG Offshore Patrol Cutters, to Offshore Supply Vessels, Tugs, ATB’s, Inland Towboats, a SWATH Vessel, Passenger Vessels, Ro-Ro/Passenger Ferries, Inland Transport Vessels, Barges, Fireboats, Research Vessels, Offshore Construction Vessels, Dredges, High Speed Passenger Vessels, Fishing Vessels, and more.

Under the Jones Act, Eastern Shipbuilding Group manufactures all of their vessels, including the three Ollis-class Staten Island Ferries, in the United States. The ferries are commercial vessels manufactured in compliance with Buy American materials.

For video of Malliotakis' speech, click HERE.

For video of the christening, click HERE.

For video of the launch, click HERE.