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The first of a new fleet of fuel-efficient vessels for New York's first city-wide ferry system in over 100 years has been christened Lunch Box, following a naming competition held amongst New York school students.

Lunch Box is the first in a fleet of 26-metre catamaran ferries commissioned by Hornblower Cruises - the selected operator of New York's new city-wide ferry service - to form NYC Ferries, which is a government initiative - previously announced by mayor Bill de Blasio - designed to create an affordable, city-wide ferry network by the end of 2018 with a focus on areas that are currently underserved by transit.

Over the coming year, the fleet is set to grow to some 20 vessels, with the network extending to 6 routes. In Manhattan, the routes will be based out of Wall Street and East 34th Street and will serve areas such as Dumbo, Rockaway, Astoria, Brooklyn and Sunset Park.

Key attributes of the new catamaran are said to include "high fuel efficiency and low emissions"; the vessel is said to be one of the cleanest in American waters, with efficient Tier 3-certified main engines, dry exhausts, and vinyl coating in lieu of toxic solvent-based paints.

Powered by a pair of Baudouin 6M26.3 main engines, rated to 599 kilowatts (kw) each, Lunch Box has a top speed in excess of 27 knots.

The aggressive delivery schedule required by the network is being met by two shipyards, Horizon Shipbuilding and Metal Shark.

The vessels are designed to offer quick turnaround using the standard New York bow-loading geometry; this allows the vessel to nose into wharves with minimal mooring. The wheelhouse of the vessel is situated immediately behind the foredeck with views over the boarding area, for enhanced operational safety.