The introduction of two new ferries for Kangaroo Island will not occur by the previously scheduled date of June 2026, according to the state’s transport minister.
Michael Pengilly, the mayor of Kangaroo Island, has criticized the communication from the ferry operator, SeaLink, describing it as “pathetically inadequate.”
The arrival of the second ferry is anticipated in the coming months, but no updated launch date has been provided.
Delays for the new ferry service have now been confirmed for the second time, as stated by the transport minister.
Initially expected to commence in early 2025, the service was postponed last October when SeaLink announced a new start date of June 1, 2026.
In an interview with ABC Radio Adelaide, transport minister Joe Szakacs stated that the ferries would not be operational by the June deadline.
While he did not provide a new launch date, Szakacs expressed optimism that the service would begin this year.
Mayor Pengilly expressed doubts about the ferries being functional before 2027, citing the lack of effective communication regarding their delivery as a significant concern.
In SeaLink’s announcement from October 2025, the arrival of the first ferry was projected for “late 2025.” The ferry, named Wanggami, arrived in Port Adelaide yesterday after its journey from Batam, Indonesia.
Mayor Pengilly expressed his disappointment with SeaLink’s communication throughout the project, stating, “I think it’s pathetically inadequate, to be perfectly honest. I think SeaLink has failed dismally here.”
Local councillor and farmer Sam Mumford was not surprised by the announcement regarding the ferry delays. He remarked, “Everything else is not working that well around the world right now, so why should we be any different?”
Mumford acknowledged the community’s concerns but emphasized the importance of the ferry service. “It’s our lifeblood to the island, and we’ve got these things for the next 25 years. So I just hope everything works,” he stated.
The councillor also highlighted the need for clarity regarding the duration of the service shutdown during the transition to the new ferries. “As long as we’ve got some sort of knowledge of when this shutdown is going to happen,” Mumford added, expressing a desire to avoid last-minute notifications about service interruptions.
Minister Szakacs also voiced his disappointment regarding the inadequate information from SeaLink, indicating that he has sought further details about the situation. He noted that delays have been influenced by factors beyond the manufacturer’s control.
A representative from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport confirmed that the second ferry, named Ruwi, is expected to arrive in the coming months. They also mentioned that Wanggami has received its Domestic Commercial Vessel accreditation from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and is currently in Outer Harbour for testing over the following months.
SeaLink has been approached for further comments on this matter.
