Steamship Authority To Commission New Ferry Next Week

WOODS HOLE – The Steamship Authority will hold a commissioning ceremony next week for its newest ferry.

The M/V Woods Hole is expected to start serving both Vineyard and Nantucket runs on June 17. The 235-foot long passenger and vehicle ferry is described by officials as a state-of-the-art vessel with modern passenger comfort and amenities.

The ferry will be commissioned at noon on Monday June 13 in Woods Hole. Open houses will then be held aboard the ship in Woods Hole at 12:30 p.m. and Vineyard Haven at 3:00 p.m., and on Nantucket at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 14.

The vessel includes Wi-Fi access and is equipped with modern radar, navigation, and communications systems, according to the Steamship Authority. The ship includes increased access for disabled passengers with an elevator from the passenger deck to the freight deck.

The M/V Woods Hole was built by Louisiana-based Conrad Shipyard and was designed by the Elliott Bay Design Group of Seattle, Washington.