Quonset’s Senesco to build Northeast’s first hybrid ferries

Quonset senesco
U.S. Department of Transportation Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool recently visited the Business Park to announce that Quonset company Senesco Marine will construct two hybrid-powered commuter ferries for the state of Maine, funded through a federal grant to improve ferry services throughout the United States.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the visit in his weekly address. “Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool was in Rhode Island seeing construction underway on a new electric ferry,” he said. “We were delighted to bring good news as we announced a round of grants to modernize and improve and expand ferry systems across the country.”

The two vessels will use hybrid diesel-electric propulsion systems that will reduce emissions and maintenance requirements and enhance transportation efficiency. The ferries are expected to make half of the one-hour round trip on electric power, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the commute.

Senesco is the first New England shipyard to build a hybrid commuter vessel of this kind – another example of Quonset companies leading the way!

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Let's keep RI building. I’m proposing a $115M economic development bond to:

✅Expand maritime and defense infrastructure at @QuonsetRI

🔬Invest in @195District and life sciences

🏗️Develop construction-ready sites to attract advanced manufacturers and create jobs. #RISOTS

The 'largest electric vehicle ever to fly' is being built here in Rhode Island — right at the Quonset. Check out @REGENTCraft CEO @BillyThalheimer's interview about what a seaglider is, how it works and what it means for the future of coastal travel.

The QDC team would like to extend our congratulations to North Kingstown Town Councilman and Quonset board member Matthew McCoy on his appointment to serve as the Rhode Island State Chair for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Congratulations, Councilman @McCoyMB!

From celebrating our 15,000th job, to opening Rhode Island's first new pier in nearly 70 years, to major expansions for several of our manufacturers — 2025 was full of exciting milestones for Quonset.

We look forward to another year of growth in 2026. Happy New Year!

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