Home Economy Economic Activity Senesco Marine lands ferry contract that will support 200 R.I. jobs

Senesco Marine lands ferry contract that will support 200 R.I. jobs

By

PBN Staff

-

02/13/2026

Screenshot — SENESCO MARINE LLC has received a contract from the Delaware River and Bay Authority to construct and outfit a new diesel-electric hybrid passenger and vehicle ferry for the Cape May–Lewes Ferry service. /COURTESY SENESCO MARINE

NORTH KINGSTOWN – Senesco Marine LLC has received a contract from the Delaware River and Bay Authority that the company says will support 200 Rhode Island jobs. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Representatives from Senesco Marine did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Through the contract, Senesco Marine will construct and outfit a new diesel-electric hybrid passenger and

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NORTH KINGSTOWN – Senesco Marine LLC has received a contract from the Delaware River and Bay Authority that the company says will support 200 Rhode Island jobs. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Representatives from Senesco Marine did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Through the contract, Senesco Marine will construct and outfit a new diesel-electric hybrid passenger and vehicle ferry for the Cape May–Lewes Ferry service, which connects the southernmost tip of New Jersey with the southern shores of Delaware. The new vessel will be certified to carry up to 400 passengers and 75 vehicles. Engineering work on the new vessel will begin immediately, with construction scheduled to start in summer 2026 at Senesco Marine’s North Kingstown shipyard. “This project represents a significant investment in Rhode Island’s skilled maritime workforce,” said Ted Williams, president of Senesco Marine. “Supporting up to 200 local jobs through this contract underscores our commitment to building high-quality vessels while creating meaningful, long-term economic impact for the communities where we operate.” Rhode Island jobs expected to be supported over the course of construction include skilled trades such as welding, fabrication, piping, electrical integration, coatings, and commissioning, as well as engineering and quality-assurance roles. In addition to direct employment, the project will generate significant economic activity through regional suppliers, transportation providers and support businesses. The Cape May–Lewes Ferry will feature a first-of-its-kind design capable of operating in hybrid and all-electric modes. Compared to conventional diesel vessels, the new ferry is estimated to achieve annual emissions reductions of approximately 2,025 tons of carbon dioxide, 102.7 tons of nitrogen dioxide, 1.51 tons of fine particulate matter, 1.03 tons of hydrocarbons, and 5 tons of carbon monoxide, while reducing fuel consumption by an estimated 35%.