Towards the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service: A glimpse into the future

SeaLink South Australia (Sealink) is excited to preview the future of ferry travel to Kangaroo Island with a virtual fly-through of our new state-of-the-art ferries, Wanggami and Ruwi. This glimpse into the significant upgrades to ferry services and infrastructure showcases how the journey to Kangaroo Island will be redefined for residents, businesses, freight operators, and visitors alike.

For 35 years, SeaLink has provided a dependable and safe link to Kangaroo Island. The multi-million-dollar investment in the community, marked by the introduction of Wanggami (meaning 'Kangaroo' in Ngarrindjeri) and Ruwi (meaning 'Land' in Ngarrindjeri), honours the rich cultural heritage of Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island, and demonstrates our continued dedication to providing exceptional service while addressing the evolving needs of the community, freight providers, and visitors.

Launching in 2025, the two new vessels are part of a larger investment designed to enhance the comfort, accessibility, safety and reliability of this essential transport connection to Kangaroo Island.

What the new SeaLink ferries will deliver

SeaLink’s new larger ferries will bring a host of benefits to improve the travel experience including:

• Increased daily departures: Substantially more daily departures than the current schedule with up to 22 departures per day in peak season (September – April) and up to 14 in off-peak (May – August), providing greater flexibility and choice.

• Increased vehicle capacity: At 10 metres longer and 2 metres wider than the current vessels, SeaLink’s new ferries offer approximately 150 metres of additional vehicle lane space per departure, providing much more space for vehicles and freight.

• Easier and safer vehicle loading and offloading: The drive-through design of the new ferries allows vehicles to drive on and off each ferry in the same direction, making it quicker, safer and easier for drivers, and reduces vessel turnaround times. Drivers and their passengers can also board and disembark the vessels direct from their vehicle.

• Improved passenger amenities: Passengers will enjoy improved seating options and lounges, a larger modern café, free Wi-Fi and device charging stations, as well as a secure dedicated pet lounge. Internal stairs and a passenger lift provides easy access to all three decks, including the vehicle deck and a sundeck offering stunning panoramic views.

• More choice for freight providers: Identical in design, the two new ferries provide greater flexibility for freight carriers to book travel on either ferry, supporting the growing demand for goods transport, including agricultural freight such as grain and hay.

• Innovation in maintenance design: The design of the new ferries allows for direct access to the engine and propellers without the need to take the vessels out of the water. This will assist in reducing service disruptions for unscheduled maintenance thereby improving service reliability.

• Advanced sustainability features: The new SeaLink ferries are powered by 735 kW Tier 3 M.A.N engines, featuring low-emission technology supporting a more sustainable journey and improving performance of the vessels. This eco-friendly innovation reflects SeaLink’s commitment to protecting the unique marine environment of Kangaroo Island while enhancing service quality.

A preview of what’s to come

The virtual fly-through showcases some of the many features and benefits that Wanggami and Ruwi will provide the travelling public, from their sleek design to the modern conveniences that will enhance every journey. Whether travelling for leisure or as a resident or business to and from Kangaroo Island, all passengers can look forward to a more comfortable, reliable and enjoyable experience.

“Our new ferries are more than just vessels; they represent a significant multi-million-dollar investment in the ferry service for both Kangaroo Island residents and visitors alike,” said Tracy Croft, General Manager, SeaLink South Australia. “With features like a passenger lift to all three decks on the vessel, a larger café, a dedicated secure pet lounge, and improved seating options, these ferries are designed for extra capacity, safety, convenience, comfort, and greater accessibility, meeting the future needs of the community while also enhancing the passenger and visitor experience.”

View the virtual fly-through here.

Infrastructure upgrades and transition timeline

To integrate the new larger vessels seamlessly, SeaLink is working closely with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) on infrastructure upgrades at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw, ensuring the commencement of the new service is managed with minimal impact on the community. SeaLink is undertaking works including dredging at Cape Jervis to make extra space for the new longer and wider ferries, constructing a new layby berth to accommodate the larger ferries to service and to be able to undertake mechanical repairs on site, and piling works to accommodate the new vehicle ramps.

Most of the new infrastructure and supporting systems will be completed prior to the installation of the new vehicle ramps. The vehicle ramp installation works will be undertaken following the completion of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport’s Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island Ports Upgrade works.

The shore-based infrastructure works will require some temporary disruptions, including boat ramp closures, and a short 3-day suspension of all ferry services which is proposed for May 2025 to install the new vehicle ramps for the new ferries at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw. These essential works are being carefully planned to take place after the busy April school holidays, Easter, and Anzac Day long weekend to minimise disruption during these peak travel periods. Local residents and stakeholders can stay informed of the latest information on the new service transition and disruption schedule from SeaLink by visiting the dedicated Kangaroo Island Ferry Service website.

Looking ahead

The launch of Wanggami and Ruwi, combined with the infrastructure upgrades, marks a transformative chapter in the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service. With increased number of daily departures and vehicle capacity, enhanced passenger amenities, this investment continues SeaLink’s commitment to deliver safe, reliable, and improved ferry services for Kangaroo Island residents and visitors to meet the growing needs of Kangaroo Island residents, businesses, and visitors while ensuring a smooth transition to this exciting new era of ferry travel.

For more information, visit sealink.com.au/kifs.