The Hawaii Superferry has delayed its scheduled July launch by at least a month as it goes through extensive inspections, the company said.
The ferry, a four-story catamaran built in Mobile, Ala., is expected to start service "later this summer," although a specific date hasn't been set.
The ferry must complete a rigorous U.S. Coast Guard certification and inspection process, said Superferry president and CEO John Garibaldi. This is the first ship of its kind built by Austal USA. A second ship is planned, also for Hawaii interisland service.
The company declined to give specifics on the delay while the inspection process continues.
Once the first ferry, named the Alakai, departs Mobile, it will travel through the Panama Canal, refuel in Los Angeles and head for Hawaii. Its arrival date in Hawaii will be announced once the ferry sets sail.
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