Want to memorialize a local notable? Or perhaps you want express your love for your island home? The Steamship Authority (SSA), “lifeline” to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, is holding a naming contest for the two new freight vessels they are acquiring to replace the M/V Gay Head and the M/V Katama.
The Steamship Authority announced on August 16, 2022, its intention to acquire two Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs), sister ships, to replace two freight vessels in its current fleet. The Authority invites the public to submit suggested vessel names for consideration that embody the “local flavor and/or maritime history” of Cape Cod and the Islands.
Steamship Board of Directors is encouraging the public to offer names for these ferries that embody the “local flavor and/or maritime history” of Cape Cod and the Islands. Submit a favorite name and you could win one of two $250 SSA gift cards, good to use for travel on SSA boats or for SSA parking, as well as an opportunity to help welcome the vessels into service. The final decision on the new name will rest with the Authority Board.
In the event that multiple individuals submit a name that is chosen, a winner will be selected at random from the winning entries. In the event only one submitted vessel name is chosen, one gift card will be awarded to the individual who provided the winning submission, and one random winner will be selected from all who entered. If no submitted vessel names are chosen, then two random winners will be selected from all who entered. These gift cards will not be transferable and will have no cash value.
Suggested vessel names are not permitted to include any trademarks, corporate branding, logos, or copyright infringements.
For full contest rules and eligibility, visit namethessavessel.com and fill out the form on that page. All naming entries must be received by Monday, September 5, 2022, at 11:59 pm. Late entries will not be accepted. Entries received after the contest deadline may be considered as potential vessel names but will be disqualified from winning one of the two prizes.
All entries will be reviewed by the Authority’s Senior Management Team. A slate of suggested vessel names will be shared at the Authority’s Port Council meeting on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, and subsequently the suggested vessel names will be presented to the Authority Board for a vote on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at its regularly scheduled meeting. If the Board elects not to vote at that meeting, the contest will not be reopened. Winners will be announced following the vote of the Board.
The two new boats are are expected to begin servicing Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard routes in 2023.