DRBA’s New “Green” Ferry Expected to Join Cape May – Lewes Ferry Fleet in 2028

Image courtesy DRBA

The Delaware River and Bay Authority has awarded a contract to construct a new Green Ferry. This ferry will be a diesel-hybrid – and will eventually replace the over 40-year old MV Cape Henlopen. DRBA awarded a contract for the construction and outfitting of a new 75-car passenger-vehicle ferry to SENESCO Marine of Rhode Island which submitted the low bid of $78.6-million, which will be partially funded with a $20-million US Department of Transportation grant award.

DRBA officials tell the Talk of Delmarva that the current vessels in the fleet carry about 100 vehicles.  The new “green” ferry will also carry RVs as well as commercial vehicles. 

Construction of the new vessel is expected to begin early in 2026 – with a projected completion of summer 2029.

Additional information from DRBA:

DRBA Executive Director Joel Coppadge realizes the historical significance of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry and its importance to the resort communities on both sides of the Delaware Bay. “For sustainable ferry operations in the future, it’s imperative we make this necessary capital investment today,” Coppadge said.  “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.”

New “Green” Ferry – Lido Deck / Image courtesy DRBA

The benefits of this new eco-friendly vessel include lower operating and maintenance costs, decreased emissions at sea and zero emissions while near port and docked. The hybrid and all-electric operating modes are estimated to achieve the following annual reductions: 2,025 tons in carbon dioxide, 102.7 tons in nitrogen dioxide, 1.51 tons of fine particulate matter, 1.03 tons of hydrocarbons, and 5 tons of carbon monoxide. The new engines will also reduce fuel consumption by an estimated 35 percent.

Heath Gehrke, Director of Ferry Operations said, “The Cape May – Lewes Ferry is a vital transportation link and an economic catalyst for the southern regions of 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.  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.”

New “Green” Ferry – Main Deck Gallery / Image courtesy DRBA

The project’s price tag of $78.6-million is partially funded with a $20-million U.S. Department of Transportation grant award.  The board action to award the contract, which is subject to the New Jersey and Delaware Governors’ ten-day review and consent period, took place at the bi-state agency’s monthly meeting on November 18, 2025.

With the recent bid award complete, construction on the new vessel is slated to start early next year with a projected completion date of summer 2029.