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Kangaroo Island’s long-awaited ferry upgrade is another step closer, with the second of two brand-new vessels officially departing Indonesia for South Australia, just days before the first begins carrying passengers.
The new ferry, Ruwi, departed Batam, Indonesia, on Saturday 24 October, beginning a 4,200-nautical-mile journey down Australia’s west coast and across the Great Australian Bight before arriving in Port Adelaide.
The voyage is expected to take approximately two weeks, subject to weather and operational conditions, with the vessel anticipated to enter service by the end of November.
Meanwhile, its sister vessel, Wanggami, is undergoing final testing and crew preparations ahead of its first passenger services on Tuesday 27 October.
The milestone follows the completion of major infrastructure upgrades at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw, including new vehicle ramps designed to accommodate the larger ferries.
Works were completed on Thursday 22 October following a planned three-day shutdown, with ferry services resuming the following day.
SeaLink Acting Chief Operating Officer Phil Boyle said the departure of Ruwi represented a significant achievement for the team working to deliver the new service.
“Seeing Ruwi depart Indonesia and begin her journey to South Australia is a significant moment for everyone involved in delivering the new Kangaroo Island ferry service.”
“We know the Kangaroo Island community has been eagerly awaiting both new ferries, and we do sincerely appreciate their patience as we have worked around the clock to bring Ruwi into service alongside her twin sister Wanggami as quickly as possible,” Mr Boyle said.
The two purpose-built ferries are set to significantly improve travel between Kangaroo Island and the mainland.
Each vessel is 10 metres longer and two metres wider than the existing ferries, providing approximately 65 per cent more vehicle lane length capacity per sailing.
Once both vessels are operating, the expanded timetable will nearly double the number of daily departures.
One of the biggest changes will be the introduction of drive-through vehicle loading, eliminating the need for motorists to reverse onto the ferry.
Passengers will also be able to remain in their vehicles during boarding and disembarking, making the process quicker and more convenient.
Inside, the ferries will feature spacious passenger lounges, comfortable booth-style seating, panoramic windows, larger cafés and outdoor sundecks.
Accessibility has also been a priority, with lifts connecting the vehicle deck, passenger lounge and sundeck, accessible toilets on every level and dedicated air-conditioned pet lounges.
While Wanggami prepares to commence service, the existing SeaLion 2000 is operating a limited timetable. From Tuesday, the two vessels will operate together on the standard timetable until Ruwi arrives and is ready to enter service.
Additional improvements to the terminal precincts, including road barriers, fencing, pavements and gates, will continue over the coming weeks without disrupting ferry operations.
The Cape Jervis public boat ramp has also reopened ahead of schedule, allowing local fishers to resume using the facility.
Passengers with mobility or accessibility requirements are encouraged to book travel on Wanggami during the transition period, as temporary loading arrangements remain in place for SeaLion 2000.
With the arrival of Ruwi expected in approximately two weeks, SeaLink will undertake final preparations in Port Adelaide before confirming its commencement date.
The expanded timetable is expected to begin by the end of November, marking a significant improvement to the vital transport connection between Kangaroo Island and mainland South Australia.
Kangaroo Island ferry service
When: Wanggami enters service Tuesday, October 27; the expanded timetable starts when Ruwi joins her, expected by the end of November
Where: Cape Jervis and Penneshaw
For more information, click here.
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