New Bedford-Martha’s Vineyard Freight Ferry Considered A Possibility In The Future

A freight ferry line between New Bedford and Martha's Vineyard could return in the future. However, it will take years of planning and potentially millions of dollars in new construction to make the service a reality.

According to South Coast Today.com, “The Steamship Authority last offered freight service between New Bedford and Vineyard Haven from 2000-2001, but the service's costs never broke even.” It was canceled in 2002 after the Authority could not secure an agreement with the New Bedford Harbor Development Commission and the city to continue to use the New Bedford State Pier.

It would take $10 million to $15 million to construct a ferry terminal in New Bedford. It is also not clear from where in the city the service would occur. The state pier is in need of repair, but other options such as private facilities owned by AGM Marine Contractors and Packer Marine, or the newly completed New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal may be a possibility.

With additional reporting by Sal Lopez