Important update on timing for the New Kangaroo Island Ferry Service

We are providing an update on the two new ferries, Wanggami and Ruwi, and the timeline and transition to the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service.

The first of the two new custom-built ferries, Wanggami, recently arrived in Port Adelaide and is undertaking final commissioning activities, crew training and operational preparations ahead of entering service.

Construction of the second vessel, Ruwi, is progressing well and will soon begin final commissioning, harbour and sea trials. Her delivery is now expected by August 2026.

As soon as Ruwi has departed for Australia we will be able to confirm the dates for both the Temporary service shutdown and the new commencement date for the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service.

We anticipate that the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service will commence on or before 23 September 2026.

We understand the further delay in service commencement of the new ferries is disappointing for everyone. Our focus remains on a well-planned transition that ensures continuity of service and delivers a safe and reliable service. We thank the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Joe Szakacs MP and his Department for their continued collaboration and commitment to achieving the best outcome for the Kangaroo Island community.

Transition Timeline

The overall transition timeline remains consistent with our previous updates. Installation of the new ramp infrastructure and a temporary service shutdown will occur once both vessels are ready to enter service.

• Temporary service shutdown: A temporary shutdown of ferry services will be required to complete critical infrastructure works, including installation of new vehicle ramps at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw. This is expected to occur over an anticipated three-day period in August or September 2026. As soon as Ruwi’s arrival date is confirmed we will provide update on timings regarding the 3-day shutdown period.
  
  We recognise the importance of maintaining service continuity and will carefully schedule these works to minimise disruption, avoiding peak travel periods where possible. It is critical to note that the service shutdown, required to facilitate the changeover of vehicle ramps to suit the new vessels, and the installation of the turning dolphin in Cape Jervis – will be highly dependent on the weather.
  
  
• Following the temporary service shutdown: Services will resume on a limited departure schedule with Sealion 2000 only for an anticipated 3 – 4 days. During this time, Wanggami will continue to provide for crew training, on-water familiarisation, and system testing in the harbours with the new vehicle ramps and turning dolphin.
  
  
• Transition to both New Vessels: Following the shutdown, our existing departure schedule will resume with Wanggami and Sealion 2000 for around 3 weeks. During this time, Ruwi will be utilised for final training of our remaining crew, on-water familiarisation within the harbour and system testing ahead of formal service commencement.
  
  
• Service Commencement: SeaLink anticipates the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service will commence on or before 23 September 2026.

We will provide further updates, including Ruwi’s arrival and more information regarding the service shutdown, as soon as the dates are confirmed.

Supporting the Community During the Transition

We understand how critical the ferry service is to Kangaroo Island. To support residents, freight operators and businesses during this period, we will continue with our previously supported service improvements from October 2025.

• Resident saver fares on additional departures
  • As you know in October 2025, the Resident Saver Fare of $30.35 per standard vehicle (currently $78.90) was made available on additional selected weekday departures, offering additional savings on vehicle fares on selected services.
  • Residents will continue to receive the reduced passenger fare (currently $8.30), introduced in March 2022 and indexed annually.
• Freight fare remains
  • The current freight fare will remain in place until the new service commences in September 2026, providing certainty for freight operators. All rates will continue to be indexed annually on 1 July.

The new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service represents the largest investment in the service’s history and reinforces our long-term commitment to improve capacity, reliability and the overall customer experience for residents, freight operators and visitors travelling to and from Kangaroo Island.

We look forward to providing opportunities for the community and stakeholders to view Wanggami ahead of new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service commencement and will soon provide information relating to community day activities to be held at Cape Jervis.

For more information about the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service, including frequently asked questions about the transition, visit  sealink.com.au/kifs.

If you have any questions, please email us on [email protected].

Thank you for your continued understanding and patience as we move closer to the commencement of the new and improved Kangaroo Island Ferry Service.