PANAMA CITY, FL – Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. is proud to announce the successful launch of the vehicle-passenger ferry FALCON, being constructed for the Fisher Island Community Association (FICA). The launch marks the next major milestone in the partnership, positioning FALCON to provide reliable and modern transportation service to the Fisher Island community.
The state-of-the-art ferry is designed to meet the unique needs of the Fisher Island route, combining enhanced vehicle capacity and passenger comfort with ESG’s proven vessel-construction expertise. FALCON is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2026 and is being constructed at ESG’s Allanton facility in Panama City, Florida.
“Completing the launch ahead of schedule speaks volumes about the talent and commitment of our workforce. Their drive keeps this project moving forward and ensures FALCON will serve Fisher Island with the reliability its community deserves. Our longstanding partnership with FICA continues to be a source of pride for our team, and this milestone reflects the shared commitment we bring to every phase of the project,” said Joey D’Isernia, CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.
“FALCON will set a new benchmark for our community’s ferry service—delivering higher vehicle capacity, smoother operations, and a more comfortable experience for residents and guests,” Roberto Sosa, President & CEO of the Fisher Island Community Association. “We thank Eastern Shipbuilding Group and EBDG for their continued partnership and collaboration.”
“Elliott Bay Design Group is honored to partner with Fisher Island Community Association on another addition to their ferry fleet,” said Steve Carlson, Principal in Charge at Elliott Bay Design Group. “Our relationship with Fisher Island is built on trust and collaboration, and we’re proud that their fleet continues to grow with vessels designed by EBDG. As engineers, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our designs come to life, and this new ferry, currently being built at Eastern Shipbuilding Group, represents the strength of that partnership and our shared commitment to quality and innovation.”
Last fall, ESG commenced steel-cutting for FALCON at its Allanton yard, marking the start of physical construction. With launch now complete, the vessel will proceed through outfitting, systems integration, sea trials and final commissioning ahead of delivery to FICA.
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A rendering of the ferry and photos from the steel cutting are located here.
About Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.
Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) is an American owned and operated shipbuilder with three shipyards on the Florida Gulf Coast. They build world class vessels for national defense and commercial clients. ESG is the largest private sector employer in Northwest Florida and is a 2017 recipient of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Small Business of the Year award. With a portfolio of over 350 vessels and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) certified systems, ESG is known as one of the most diverse vessel construction companies in the country. www.easternshipbuilding.com
