Cross Sound Ferry

Cross Sound Ferry. It is a privately owned passenger and vehicle ferry service operating primarily across Long Island Sound, connecting Connecticut with Long Island and Block Island. Founded in the mid-1970s, the company has grown to become a critical transportation link in the Northeastern United States, providing an essential alternative to road travel around the New York City metropolitan area. Its operations are based out of New London, Connecticut, with major terminals at Orient Point, New York and Old Harbor, Block Island.

History

The company was established in 1975 by Captain James P. Barker, initially operating a single vessel on the route between New London, Connecticut and Orient Point, New York. This service filled a vital gap after the cessation of a previous Penn Central Transportation Company ferry operation. The early success was bolstered by strategic partnerships, including a significant contract with the United States Postal Service to transport mail. Expansion continued in the 1980s with the acquisition of the Block Island ferry route from the Interstate Navigation Company, solidifying its role in regional maritime transport. Throughout its history, the company has been owned and operated by the Barker family, maintaining its headquarters in the historic Fort Trumbull area of New London.

Services and routes

Cross Sound Ferry operates two primary year-round passenger and vehicle ferry routes. The flagship service is the crossing of Long Island Sound between New London, Connecticut and Orient Point, New York, on the North Fork of Long Island. This route, which takes approximately 80 minutes, serves as a major shortcut for travelers between New England and Long Island, bypassing congested highways through New York City and Stamford, Connecticut. The second major route connects New London, Connecticut with Block Island, Rhode Island, particularly vital during the summer tourist season. The company also offers high-speed passenger-only ferry service to Block Island via the M/V Islander and provides seasonal excursion packages and freight transport services.

Fleet

The fleet consists of six vessels, including both traditional vehicle ferries and high-speed catamarans. The primary vessels on the New London–Orient Point route are the M/V John H. and the M/V Susan Anne, both large roll-on/roll-off ferries with multiple vehicle decks. The M/V Cape Henlopen and the M/V Sounder serve the Block Island route. For high-speed service, the company operates the M/V Islander, a Austal-built catamaran, and the M/V Mary Ellen. The fleet is maintained at the company's shipyard facilities in New London, Connecticut, and several vessels have been purpose-built or significantly refurbished at Senesco Marine in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Operations and terminals

Primary operations are centered on two modern ferry terminals. The New London, Connecticut terminal is located at 2 Ferry Street, adjacent to the Cross Sound Ferry maintenance facility and near the Amtrak station and Union Station. The Orient Point, New York terminal is situated at the eastern tip of the North Fork, providing direct access to New York State Route 25 and the Long Island Expressway. On Block Island, vessels dock at Old Harbor. Operations are coordinated with the United States Coast Guard and are subject to weather conditions on Long Island Sound, with the National Weather Service providing critical forecasts. The company also manages extensive parking facilities and integrates with local transit services.

Accidents and incidents

The company has maintained a strong safety record over its decades of operation. One notable incident occurred in July 2006 when the M/V Cape Henlopen experienced a minor engine room fire while en route to Block Island; the fire was extinguished by the crew, and all passengers were safely transferred to another vessel, the M/V Susan Anne, with no reported injuries. In December 1992, the ferry M/V New London was involved in a minor collision with a bulk carrier in thick fog near New London, Connecticut, resulting in superficial damage but no injuries. All incidents are investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board, with findings used to enhance operational procedures.