Chebeague Island Ferry

Independence at the Cousins Island wharf (2024)
History
United States
NameChebeague Island Ferry
OwnerChebeague Transportation Company
OperatorChebeague Transportation Company
RouteChebeague Island to Cousins Island, Maine
BuilderWashburn & Doughty Associates, East Boothbay, Maine
LaunchedJuly 19, 2019 (5 years ago) (2019-07-19)
Maiden voyage1975 (50 years ago) (1975)
StatusOperational
General characteristics
TypeFerry

The Chebeague Island Ferry (also known as the CTC Ferry)[1] is a passenger ferry which runs between Chebeague Island and Cousins Island in Maine, United States.[2] Operated by the Chebeague Transportation Company (CTC), the route was formally established in 1975,[3] although boats have carried passengers between the two islands since the late 1950s. Around 120,000 passengers make the crossing on the ferry each year.[4]

The first ferry, a wooden vessel named the Polly-Lin II, was able to carry 23 passengers. It was replaced two years later by the larger Big Squaw. The Islander was purpose-built, and was launched in 1985.[5] It was in service for thirty years and, as of 2023, is the back-up vessel.[6]

The 54-foot (16 m) Independence,[2] was introduced in 2019.[6]

A CTC-owned barge, for carrying cars, trucks and large equipment, is moored off Chebeague Island.[7]

Schedule

The ferry runs seven days a week, albeit with a curtailed schedule on Sundays, from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM (10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday).[3][8] It departs Chebeague Island's Stone Wharf for the Cousins Island Wharf. The crossing takes around fifteen minutes.[2][9][10]

A bus is available to bring passengers from a satellite parking lot on U.S. Route 1 in Cumberland Foreside.[10]

Construction

The vessel was built by Washburn & Doughty Associates in East Boothbay, Maine.

  • The Independence berthed at Stone Wharf on Chebeague Island in 2024
    The Independence berthed at Stone Wharf on Chebeague Island in 2024
  • Construction plate aboard the vessel
    Construction plate aboard the vessel
  • The Islander and barge moored off Chebeague Island in 2024
    The Islander and barge moored off Chebeague Island in 2024

References

  1. ^ "How do I get to a hospital?". www.townofchebeagueisland.org. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Writer, Gillian GrahamStaff (24 January 2021). "Chebeague Island residents worry about link to mainland as dredging project awaits". Press Herald. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  3. ^ a b "The Ferry". Chebeague Transportation Company. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  4. ^ Writer, Matt ByrneStaff (17 March 2013). "Ferry that joins Cousins, Chebeague islands also divides". Press Herald. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  5. ^ Thompson, Katie (17 February 2015). "Weather can't stop Chebeague Island ferry service". WMTW. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  6. ^ a b "HISTORY". Chebeague Transportation Company. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  7. ^ "User's Guide to the Chebeague Transportation Company". www.chebeague.org. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  8. ^ "Golf by ferry? Island-hopping in Maine is as fun as you'd think". Golf. 13 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  9. ^ "Services". Chebeague Transportation Company. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Getting Here". Chebeague Island Inn. Retrieved 28 September 2023.