New York Waterway recently christened its new vessel, Arthur E. Imperatore, named in honor of the company’s late founder. The services of the ferry include scenic tours of New York Harbor and commuter transportation.
The Arthur E. Imperatore was built locally by Yank Marine in Tuckahoe, N.J. The low-emission 2,000 horsepower ferry was built to carry 600 passengers and has a service speed of 21 knots. The vessel measures in at 109 feet long and 32 feet wide, but only draws six feet of water depth.
NY Waterway CEO Armand Pohan stated “It was Arthur Imperatore’s bold vision that resulted in the transformation of the Weehawken waterfront and revitalized ferry passage across the Hudson. It is only fitting that this great new ship should bear his name.”
The ceremony unveiling NY Waterway’s new ferry took place at Weehawken’s Port Imperial Ferry Terminal. Over 100 guests were in attendance at the event, including NJ TRANSIT CEO Kevin Corbett, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Edgewater Mayor Michael McPartland, Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro and a representative of Senator Robert Menendez.
The unveiling didn’t just celebrate the new ferry, but the life of Arthur E. Imperatore. At the event, Kevin Corbett delivered remarks recognizing the importance of Imperatore’s work and the legacy that he has built. Additionally, the traditional champagne bottle breaking was performed by Emma Thompson, Imperatore’s granddaughter.
Imperatore founded NY Waterway in 1986, and through hard work and perseverance developed the company into the nation’s largest privately-owned commuter ferry service. Imperatore’s work has been crucial in shaping the New York transportation system to what it is today.