A Vessel Built on Partnership: The EBDG Team Reflects on the FALCON

When Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) launched the FALCON for Fisher Island Community Association (FICA), it marked another milestone in a partnership that has continued for more than two decades. The vessel represents the latest evolution of a design that began in 2007 when FICA and Elliott Bay Design Group collaborated to create a ferry tailored to Fisher Island’s unique operational needs. As highlighted in recent coverage of the launch, the FALCON shows what is possible when long-term collaboration, thoughtful engineering, and strong client relationships come together. Designed by EBDG and built by ESG, the vessel continues a history of reliability and efficiency for the community it serves.

Photo provided by Eastern Shipbuilding Group

In this exclusive interview, Steve Carlson, Principal in Charge at EBDG, and Bart Manzer, Project Manager at EBDG, share their insight on the vessel and the partnership that shaped it.

EBDG Interview: On the FALCON

From your perspective, what makes this project stand out within EBDG’s portfolio of work?

Steve Carlson: This project is the newest chapter in our long-standing relationship with FICA. Our partnership spans more than 20 years. The FALCON is an update to a design created by EBDG and FICA in 2007. This demonstrates our commitment to working closely with clients to deliver designs that meet their operational needs. When a vessel needs only small updates many years later and the client chooses to build nearly the same vessel again, it confirms that the original design continues to perform well.

How did collaboration between EBDG, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, and other partners support the success of this project?

Bart Manzer: Close coordination between EBDG, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, and all project partners ensured a smooth transition from design to construction. This strong alignment encouraged efficient decision making and effective problem solving.

What does this project represent for EBDG in terms of innovation, teamwork, and client relationships?

Bart Manzer: The FALCON represents our dedication to advanced engineering, collaborative teamwork, and client relationships based on trust. Everyone remained focused on delivering a vessel that meets the expectations of FICA and serves Fisher Island effectively.

Looking ahead, what lessons from this project will influence how EBDG approaches future builds and partnerships?

Steve Carlson: Seeing a design built and then operated is always valuable for engineers. Our long-term relationship with FICA gives our team insight into the small details that make a vessel easier to construct, operate, and maintain. These insights help improve future vessel designs and reinforce our focus on creating vessels that are better to build and better to operate.

How did client feedback influence the direction or refinement of the final design?

Steve Carlson: Client feedback played a central role. FICA conducted a detailed review of drawings from the previous vessel and outlined the updates they wanted. EBDG validated those updates and incorporated them into the revised design and specifications. During construction at Eastern Shipbuilding Group, our onsite inspector oversees the work and provides updates to both EBDG and FICA. This keeps the client informed and allows quick responses to any questions or changes that arise.

What aspects of teamwork on this project best reflect EBDG’s culture and commitment to quality?

Bart Manzer: Open communication and accountability across teams reflect EBDG’s culture. Everyone focused on finding solutions, maintaining consistency, and supporting the project from beginning to end.

As the vessel moves closer to delivery, what accomplishments or milestones are you most proud of from an EBDG standpoint?

Steve Carlson: I am proud of the collaborative spirit between EBDG, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, and FICA. Whenever challenges appeared, the team approached them as shared issues to resolve. That mindset built trust and helped ensure a positive outcome for everyone involved.

The launch of the FALCON demonstrates what long-term partnership and thoughtful engineering can accomplish. It builds on a strong history of service to Fisher Island and lays the groundwork for future projects that prioritize safety, efficiency, and reliability.

To learn more about EBDG’s work in ferry design and marine engineering, let’s talk about your next project.