$85 Million, 4,500-Person Vessel NYC’s First New Staten Island Ferry in 17 Years
New Class of Ferries Represents Transformative Upgrade for Nation’s Busiest Municipal Ferry System
Staten Island Native Michael Ollis Killed in 2013 Saving Life of Fellow Soldier in Afghanistan
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that the newest Staten Island Ferry has taken its inaugural ride and begun regular passenger service. The Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis — an $85 million state-of-the-art ferry that is the first new vessel added to the fleet since 2005 — is named for a New Dorp resident who was killed in Afghanistan saving the life of a fellow soldier in 2013. Members of the Ollis family joined the boat’s inaugural trip from St. George Terminal on Staten Island to Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan.
“Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and one of his brothers in arms, and I am proud to honor his legacy today,” said Mayor Adams. “Michael’s bravery knew no bounds, and now thousands of New Yorkers and visitors from all over the world will be able to recognize that bravery every single day. We owe the entire Ollis family a debt of gratitude for all they have given and for allowing us the honor of remembering Michael.”
“This vessel represents the best of our city: A top-of-line ferry named in memory of someone who was truly selfless,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “I am proud to take this inaugural ride with Staff Sergeant Ollis’ family, and I am so gratified knowing that people crossing New York Harbor will always remember Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis.”
“The staff of the Staten Island Ferry have trained extensively on this completely new vessel for the last few months — and, today, we are so proud to join the Ollis family in showing it off to the rest of New York,” said Commissioner of the Department of Transportation Ydanis Rodriguez. “We thank Mayor Adams, as well as the administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio, for the forward-thinking investment that brought us this boat and will bring two other new boats to the harbor later this year.”
The Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis is the first of three new ferries that will enter service this year, collectively known as the Ollis-class vessels. Together, the vessels represent a transformative upgrade for the nation’s busiest municipal ferry system; the three new ferries are larger, more modern, and better equipped for extreme weather than the existing fleet. They will feature popular design elements of past Staten Island ferries, phone charging outlets, and comfortable seating, as well as an oval upper-deck promenade that will, for the first time, serve as an outdoor “walking track” for riders.
The Ollis completed harbor trials and passed U.S. Coast Guard inspections late last year. The other two Ollis-class ferries are expected to be commissioned later this year.
“I am honored to be a part of this moment in history as we watch the new SSG Michael H. Ollis ferry take its maiden voyage to downtown Manhattan this morning,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “As a Staten Islander, it is with great pride that we remember Staff Sergeant Ollis and his heroic act of saving the life of a fellow soldier. May this ferry remind all travelers of the legacy he leaves behind.”
“Michael Ollis gave his life in order to save a fellow soldier; as Jesus tells us, ‘There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another,’” said Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. “May the Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis ferry not only safely transport its passengers but also serve as a constant source of inspiration to self-
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