Eastern Shipbuilding awarded contract to build Fisher Island Community Association ferry

PANAMA CITY − A local shipbuilder recently landed a contract to build a vessel for a South Florida association.

In a news release on Wednesday, Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City announced it would construct the newest ferry for the Fisher Island Community Association in the Miami Beach area. The vessel is slated to span about 152 feet in length, and it will boast a 150-passenger capacity.

According to Joey D'Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding, the group built another ferry − known as the Heron − for the same association more than 20 years ago, and it "has been the most reliable ferry in (Fisher Island's) fleet."

"We look forward to delivering another robust and reliable ESG-built ferry that will serve the residents of Fisher Island for decades to come," D'Isernia said in the release. "In collaboration with FICA and Elliott Bay Design Group, this ferry will be built with yacht-style finishes, and (it) will provide safe and comfortable transportation for residents of the Fisher Island Community."

In an email on Thursday, D'Isernia wrote that he anticipates construction of the ferry will begin by the end of this year.

He expects for it to take Eastern crews about 22 months to build the ship. Its delivery to the Fisher Island Community Association is scheduled for the spring of 2026.

Past ESG reports:US Rep. Neal Dunn challenging Austal USA, which won $3B contract over Eastern Shipbuilding

The ferry is slated to be constructed at Eastern Shipbuilding's Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities. Eastern officials would not release how much the company will be paid to build the vessel.

"The Heron is probably the most reliable ferry in our fleet," Roberto Sosa, president and CEO of the Fisher Island Community Association, said in the release. "The quality and design of this specific ferry, along with their reputation in the industry, are the main reasons we chose Eastern Shipbuilding Group and Elliott Bay Design Group.

"We look forward to continuing our relationship with them through the construction of this ferry."