SeaLink South Australia has announced the names for its two new ferries set to join the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service in early 2025. The names, ‘Wanggami’ and ‘Ruwi’, were revealed after a public competition in 2023 that drew over 1,500 entries.
The naming process involved close consultation with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Council (NAC) to ensure respect for the cultural significance associated with Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island. The chosen names, ‘Wanggami’ meaning ‘kangaroo’ and ‘Ruwi’ meaning ‘land’ in the Ngarrindjeri language, reflect the indigenous heritage of the regions connected by the service.
Tracy Croft, General Manager of SeaLink South Australia, shared her excitement about the new names. “We are truly excited to reveal the names ‘Wanggami’ and ‘Ruwi’ for our new ferries set to commence in the first half of 2025,” she said. “These names beautifully reflect the deep cultural significance and connection of the Ngarrindjeri people to the lands and waters.”
NAC Deputy Chair, Mark Koolmatrie, spoke about the cultural recognition, saying “Incorporating Indigenous names and working with SeaLink on this project highlights the importance of recognising and respecting our cultural ties to the land and sea,” he explained. “This collaboration is a wonderful example of how different cultures can come together to create something meaningful and lasting.”
The two new ferries, designed to be approximately 10 metres longer and two metres wider than the current vessels, will provide significant improvements in capacity and functionality. Offering around 150 metres more vehicle lane space per departure, they are identical in design, thereby allowing freight carriers to utilise both vessels more flexibly and efficiently. This enhancement will support the transportation of goods, such as grain and hay for agricultural purposes, with greater ease.
Tracy Croft also noted the upgraded features aimed at improving passenger experience. “The two new ferries are designed to offer a smoother ride, drive on and off in the same direction speeding up the loading process, and improved amenities for travellers,” she highlighted. With the ability to undertake more daily departures — up to 22 crossings in peak season and 14 during off-peak — these enhancements will better serve the growing demands of residents, freight, and visitors.
SeaLink has made a $57 million investment into these two new vessels. Croft remarked, “SeaLink has provided the ferry connection to Kangaroo Island for over 30 years, and our significant investment into constructing two new larger ferries demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service.”
For additional details on the improved Kangaroo Island Ferry Service and the introduction of ‘Wanggami’ and ‘Ruwi’, visit the SeaLink website at www.sealink.com.au/kifs. Here, visitors can find further information and updates about the services, scheduling, and features of the new ferries.
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