Thomaston boat builders Lyman-Morse has been awarded the contract to design and build three solar-powered ferries for MeVa Transit, operator of public bus service in the Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts.

The first vessel is expected to begin demonstration trips in 2026, with full ferry service projected to launch in 2027, connecting Haverhill, Amesbury, and Newburyport.

Lyman-Morse Workboats division was selected through a competitive value bid process that considered overall design, materials, and performance—not just price.

The company’s winning design calls for three aluminum-hulled, solar-assisted electric ferries built in partnership with William Lincoln, of Response Marine, a Newburyport, Mass.-based designer and longtime resident who is renowned for his aluminum watercraft. Evoy Vita Power, based in Flora, Norway, will supply the advanced electric propulsion system.

Each ferry will be a 33-foot double-pontoon catamaran, accommodating 18 to 22 passengers and crew, with additional space for two bicycles or scooters.

Powered by twin 120-horsepower electric outboard motors, the vessels will cruise at 10–12 knots.

Solar roof panels will supplement the onboard batteries, and the boats will have access to docks at both ends of the crossing that feature fast-charging stations for quick power boosts between trips.

“Bringing this project to life is an exciting challenge,” said Jonathan Egan,  Workboats Division Director at Lyman-Morse, in a news release. “We’re combining precision marine engineering with sustainable technology to deliver efficient, accessible, and environmentally responsible vessels that honor the Merrimack River’s maritime history while shaping its future.”

The ferries will offer fully flush decks for wheelchair and mobility access, aligning with Lyman-Morse’s commitment to inclusive design.

The project—funded through a $4.2 million federal grant—is to establish clean, quiet, and efficient commuter and recreational ferry service back to the Merrimack River for the first time in nearly a century.

Once operational, the ferries will provide morning and evening commuter trips, as well as additional midday recreational runs. Bus routes will be coordinated to meet the ferries, enhancing regional connectivity.

“This project represents exactly what we stand for at Lyman-Morse,” said Drew Lyman, President of Lyman-Morse. “It’s a blend of innovation, design excellence, and environmental stewardship—all built right here in Maine.”

Since the company’s founding in 1978, Lyman-Morse has grown to include several interrelated lines of business including boatbuilding, marine service, marina operations, yacht brokerage, and fabrication. Lyman-Morse builds yachts, from high-tech carbon-fiber ocean racers to cold-molded wooden Spirit of Tradition sloops and luxurious motor yachts, as we have done for more than four decades.