SeaLink South Australia has officially unveiled a new schedule for the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service (KIFS), set to start in 2025 alongside the launch of two new ferries, Wanggami and Ruwi. This upgrade is anticipated to significantly enhance the service provided to both residents and visitors of Kangaroo Island by offering more frequent departures, increased capacity, and improved amenities.
The introduction of these new schedules aligns with the deployment of the ferries which are considerably larger than the existing ones. They measure approximately 10 metres longer and 2 metres wider, offering an additional 150 metres of vehicle lane space per departure. This will facilitate easier and faster vehicle loading and offloading courtesy of a drive-through design, which allows vehicles to drive on and off in the same direction.
In the peak travel season, from September to April, the ferry service will manage 22 departures per day from Monday to Friday, and 18 per day on weekends. During the off-peak months, from May to August, the service will offer 14 departures each day. This increase not only improves the flexibility in travel plans but also supports greater capacity, accommodating more passengers and vehicles per trip.
The new ferries, Wanggami and Ruwi, are identically designed, which provides operational efficiencies and better service provision. This design consistency means that freight carriers can choose either ferry without concern for varying specifications, which is particularly beneficial for the agricultural transport of items like grain and hay.
Bus and coach transport services are expected to experience enhanced efficiency as well. With more ferry departures, it will be easier to align coach and bus schedules with the ferry times, simplifying travel plans for larger groups and streamlining the transfer processes.
In terms of onboard experience, the updated ferries will feature free WIFI, device charging stations, a secure pet lounge, and other amenities to ensure a comfortable journey. Tracy Croft, the General Manager of SeaLink South Australia, highlighted the importance of these upgrades. “We’re thrilled to announce the new ferry schedule, that will commence after the introduction of our two new ferries in 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service and underscores our ongoing commitment to delivering a safe, reliable, and enhanced service for residents, business owners, and visitors. With increased capacity, more daily departures, and improved onboard amenities, we aim to provide a superior experience for everyone travelling to and from the island,” she stated.
For more details on the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service, travellers can head to sealink.com.au/kifs.
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