Seastreak Ferry Returns to New Bedford After Winter Pause

It has been a long, cold, snowy winter, and many folks are anxiously waiting for some island sunshine to chase away the frigid memories.

When Seastreak Service Resumes in New Bedford

Wait no more, because the Seastreak fast ferry service between New Bedford, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard resumes today from New Bedford State Pier.

Not long after ferry service ended for the season last October, WBSM reported that MassDevelopment, the state agency that manages the pier, would close two wharves at the pier for up to four years "after an inspection revealed they are in need of significant and immediate repairs."

"This follows the 2019 closure of the North Wharf for similar reasons; that wharf has yet to be reconstructed and reopened," according to the report.

Get our free mobile app

MassDevelopment stated, "We recognize the pier's importance to the city's economy, culture, and working waterfront, and we're working urgently with tenants and partners across all levels of government to ensure safety, continuity, and a strong recovery."

Some were concerned about where Seastreak would dock to load and offload passengers traveling to and from Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

The New Bedford Light reported in November that the Cuttyhunk Ferry and Seastreak will be the only two businesses to operate from State Pier, and that they will share space.

What’s Next for Other Waterfront Tenants

The publication reported it was unclear if the Ernestina-Morrissey or the American Cruise Lines ships would be able to find new locations to dock on the New Bedford waterfront this year.

The New Bedford State Pier was built in 1913. The last major pier renovation was performed in 2014.