The Delaware River and Bay Authority approved a major step in modernizing the Cape May–Lewes Ferry fleet. DRBA awarded a $78.6 million contract to Senesco Marine LLC to build a new diesel-hybrid, 75-car passenger/vehicle ferry.

The new ferry will eventually replace the more than 40-year-old MV Cape Henlopen. Construction is set to begin early next year and then slated to wrap up for summer 2029.

The updated vehicle will deliver significant environmental benefits through hybrid and all-electric modes, producing zero emissions near port as well as sharply reducing emissions at sea.

Projections anticipate annual reductions of:

• 2,025 tons of carbon dioxide
• 102.7 tons of nitrogen dioxide
• 1.51 tons of fine particulate matter
• 1.03 tons of hydrocarbons
• 5 tons of carbon monoxide

Fuel consumption is expected to fall by 35%.

“For sustainable ferry operations in the future, it’s imperative we make this necessary capital investment today,” said DRBA Executive Director Joel Coppadge. “The Ferry’s a critical piece of regional infrastructure and we’re proud of the Ferry’s heritage and link between two historic destinations. The new hybrid ferry is the start of the next chapter in the proud history of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.”

For sustainable ferry operations in the future, it’s imperative we make this necessary capital investment today.
– Joel Coppadge, DRBA executive director

A vital link

Heath Gehrke serves as ferry operations director. He emphasized the ferry’s role as a vital transportation link and economic driver for southern Delaware and New Jersey.

“Hundreds of thousands of people rely on our year-round service to get them safely across to work, visit loved ones, get to that vacation destination or to avoid the hassle of highway congestion,” said Gehrke.

A$20 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant supports the project in part. The DRBA Commission made the contract award during its Nov. 18 meeting. The agreement is subject to a 10-day review as well as a consent period by the governors of both New Jersey and Delaware.

Gehrke added, “By moving forward with our vessel modernization effort, we’re ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy a break from the ordinary aboard the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.”