Chatham Area Transit Authority (CAT), Chatham County Commission and the City of Savannah celebrated the new Waterjet Hybrid Savannah Belles Ferries and repaired Ferry Landing near the Savannah Convention Center Thursday evening.

Chatham County Director of Engineering Suzanne Cooler expressed her gratitude for the leadership of the County Commissioners and staff for their support of the Engineering Department during the process. Her team not only repaired Hutchinson Island Slip 2, but improved it, making the space ADA compliant and accessible to all. 

"I want to thank thank the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, county leadership, and staff that made the right decisions at the right time and stood by this process from day one," Cooler said. "Today we literally stand on stronger ground. Slip 2 is safer, more resilient, and accessible to all. We have restored a key piece of the island's riverwalk, and protected a public space."

Prior to the ribbon cutting, the group celebrated the new Savannah Belles Ferries, the Juliette Gordon Low II and Susie King Taylor II.  

These state-of-the-art ferries are the first waterjet hybrid vessels of their kind in the nation. Featuring BAE Systems’ advanced electric propulsion system, the new ferries promise passengers a smoother and more environmentally sustainable ride — aligning with CAT’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation solutions.

“On behalf of all of Chatham County, let me say how much we have looked forward to this day, how much we have invested in this day," Chatham County Chairman and CEO Chester A. Ellis said, "It's a good day to be in Chatham County. ”