For Immediate Release:
November 19, 2015
“Molly Pitcher” christened at Belford Ferry Terminal
New luxury ferry offers comfortable, fast commute
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – On Friday, Nov. 13, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders joined Middletown officials and NY Waterway President & Founder Arthur E. Imperatore, as Mr. Imperatore’s granddaughter, Olivia Imperatore, christened the “Molly Pitcher,” the new 400-passenger
ferry that will serve Monmouth and Ocean County residents.
“It’s great news for Monmouth County commuters that a new boat is now calling the Belford Ferry Terminal her home port,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso. “More than 2,000 people use the ferry services each work day, so having a new boat named in honor of one of our local patriots is an honor.”
The “Molly Pitcher” is a 109 feet long, 32 feet wide vessel that draws six feet and has a service speed of 28 knots, about 33 mph, making it among the fastest boats operating in New York-area waters.
The “Molly Pitcher” is U.S. Coast Guard-licensed for 400 passengers, with seating for 350 passengers in fully climate-controlled cabins. There is outside open deck space on both the lower and upper deck.
“The Molly Pitcher is the premier way for our commuters to travel to New York City,” said DiMaso. “We are so pleased that NY Waterway is committed to providing this service from the Belford Ferry Terminal.”
The new ferry was completely financed by NY Waterway and is the first NY Waterway ferry built in the Garden State since the Weehawken-based ferry service started in 1986.
Molly Pitcher fought in the Battle of Monmouth during the Revolutionary War, delivering water to soldiers in the 100-degree heat and later operating a cannon after the collapse of her husband on the battlefield.
“Thanks to our partners in Monmouth County and Middletown, we have developed a first-class commuter ferry operation, which improves the quality of life for our riders,” said Imperatore, “The Molly Pitcher, which provides the fastest, safest, most reliable, most luxurious commute in the Metropolitan Area, is a demonstration of NY Waterway’s commitment to this partnership.”
The Belford Ferry Terminal, owned by Monmouth County and operated by NY Waterway, is a visually appealing building with all customer amenities and free parking for 1,000 cars. Complimentary vans circulate through the parking lot to pick up passengers and bring them to the Belford Ferry Terminal. Ferries operate Monday through Friday, carrying more than 2,000 passengers per day, with stops at Wall Street’s Pier 11 on the East River, the World Financial Center on the Hudson River, Paulus Hook in Jersey City and Manhattan’s West 39th Street.
“Thank you to the commuters who pass through the terminal everyday on their way to Manhattan,” said Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone. “Whether you are sailing for work or pleasure, Monmouth County is your home. We are pleased that NY Waterway continues to make investments in its boats to better serve residents.”
For more information about the NY Waterway service to Call 1-800-53-FERRY or visit www.nywaterway.com for more information. Information is also available on the NY Waterway Facebook and Twitter.
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