Freight ferry service from New Bedford to Martha’s Vineyard may be a possibility after a 15 year wait.

According to The Standard Times, the matter was looked at during a meeting this past December.  During the meeting, the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket Steamship Authority received a 15-page draft that consisted of questions and issues that would need to be solved before the final outcome.

Most of the questions that arise about the ferry service will be based on the cost of the service.

In the seasonal two-year experiment back in 2000 and 2001, the Steamship Authority lost $680 per each truck carried on the ferry in the first year, and $410 in the second year for each truck.

The issue is complex and asks questions such as:

“Will the SSA own the freight boats?”

“Will there be subsidies or will the freight service need to pay its own way?”

“Will shippers use it or would Woods Hole service be cut to force carriers to New Bedford?”

“Is the infrastructure ready? Who owns what?”

With additional reporting by Sal Lopez

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