Ferries

Ferries are vessels designed to carry passengers, vehicles, and freight across bodies of water where no uninterrupted fixed-link route exists. They operate on scheduled services between connected ports, and may be owned by public authorities, private operators, or public-private partnerships. They range from small river crossing boats to large car ferries.

Types include passenger ferries, which carry only people; car ferries or ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) vessels, which carry vehicles; and specialized forms such as fast ferries, cable ferries, and hovercraft or catamarans. Some operate as commuter services with frequent departures; others serve island communities or cross-straits with longer crossings.

Typical routes require port infrastructure, including terminals, berths, and passenger facilities. Scheduling balances demand, tide, weather, and harbor traffic. Capacity is expressed in terms of vehicle lanes, passenger seats, or tonnage; ships may carry hundreds to thousands of passengers and dozens to thousands of vehicles.

Propulsion technologies vary: conventional diesel engines, gas turbines, electricity from onboard batteries or shore power, and hybrid systems. Newer ferries are increasingly electric or LNG-fueled to reduce emissions. Some ships use dynamic positioning or fast-displacement hulls to improve speed and efficiency.

Ferries are governed by national maritime authorities and international conventions such as SOLAS; crews are certified, and vessels must carry lifesaving appliances, firefighting equipment, and undergo inspections. Emergency procedures and passenger safety announcements are standard.

Ferry services rely on fare revenue, subsidies, and cross-subsidies. Environmental considerations include emissions, energy efficiency, ballast water management, and waste handling; ongoing developments emphasize electrification, shore-based charging, and fleet modernization.