Vessel Construction Management & Hybrid Propulsion Integration

Alternative Marine Technologies (AMTECH) provided vessel construction management and hybrid propulsion integration for the Captain Ben Moore, a 63-foot aluminum catamaran developed for Harbor Harvest and operated by First Harvest Navigation. Designed by Incat Crowther and built at Robert E. Derecktor Shipyard in Mamaroneck, New York, the vessel was launched in April 2019 as the first hybrid cargo vessel constructed in the United States and the third in Derecktor’s series of BAE Systems hybrid-electric aluminum catamarans.

Vessel and Cargo Configuration

The vessel measures approximately 19.2 meters length overall with a 6.5-meter beam and 0.8-meter draft. Cargo capacity is roughly 20,000 pounds across approximately 32 pallets, comprising open deck, covered, and a walk-in refrigerated space that covers 1/3rd of the cargo capacity. A stern ramp and deck crane support loading, while the shallow draft permits access to limited infrastructure. Limited passenger capacity is also available.

Propulsion System

Propulsion uses a BAE Systems HybriDrive system with electric motors powered by lithium-ion batteries and two Cummins QSB6.7 generators serving as range extenders. The vessel operates electrically at all times, with generators automatically managing battery charge. Service speed is approximately 12 knots. Batteries can be recharged at either end of the Norwalk–Huntington route, enabling low-emission operation across Long Island Sound.

Service Profile

The service runs on a Marine Highway route between Norwalk, Connecticut, and Huntington, New York, completing the crossing in roughly 35–45 minutes versus several hours by truck and thereby reducing I-95 corridor congestion while preserving product quality through refrigeration.

Autonomous Capability

In late 2020 the vessel was fitted with a Sea Machines Robotics SM300 autonomous command and remote-helm system, becoming the first U.S. hybrid cargo vessel with remote crew-assist capability, including obstacle detection and collision avoidance. The electric fly-by-wire architecture supported integration, with manned operation remaining the primary mode.

Recognition

The Captain Ben Moore was named one of WorkBoat magazine’s Significant Boats of 2019 and received the Baird Maritime Awards 2020 Best Compact Cargo Vessel award. Harbor Harvest’s Long Island Sound service was also designated under the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Marine Highway Program, recognizing the hybrid propulsion, refrigerated cargo capability, and transit-time reductions versus truck transport.

Construction and Delivery

AMTECH managed construction and integrated the hybrid system at Derecktor Shipyard. The vessel completed sea trials and entered service in 2019, building on the hybrid aluminum catamaran series that began with the R/V Spirit of the Sound.

Project Significance

The project demonstrated hybrid-electric propulsion for short-sea refrigerated cargo, combining reduced transit times and emissions with later autonomous capability. Formal recognition through WorkBoat, Baird Maritime, and the Marine Highway Program highlighted its contribution to low-emission regional logistics, supported by AMTECH’s construction management and systems integration.