We are providing an important update on the transition timeline to the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service.
While Ruwi’s (the second new Kangaroo Island ferry) sea trials have commenced and are progressing well, unfortunately, the shipbuilder has advised there will be a delay to the delivery and arrival into Port Adelaide due to an incident during harbour commissioning which will impact new service commencement.
During harbour commissioning and final testing of the fire deluge systems, a temporary pipe used for testing purposes only failed, resulting in a discharge of water onto electrical components. The temporary pipe is not part of the vessel’s systems. As a precaution, the affected electrical components have been replaced. This has delayed Ruwi’s final sea trials before she can commence her voyage to South Australia. As a result of this incident, the shipbuilder has advised Ruwi is now anticipated to arrive in South Australia in late September 2026.
What this delay in delivery means is that we must postpone the temporary 3-day shutdown that was to commence from 1 September. The service shutdown is now planned to occur from Tuesday 20 October – Thursday 22 October 2026 (inclusive). This means that we anticipate that both new vessels will start on the new timetable in November 2026.
Our number one priority is to ensure that the Kangaroo Island community continues to have access to a safe and reliable ferry service, which is why postponing the ramp installation shutdown until both new vessels are here is absolutely critical, especially during the upcoming peak school holiday travel period and livestock season.
We understand this delay is extremely disappointing for everyone, and we share that disappointment, but service continuity must remain the priority. The overall transition remains consistent with our previous updates.
- Ruwi arrival: Ruwi is expected to arrive at Port Adelaide in South Australia late September 2026.
- Last service before temporary shutdown: The last service before the temporary 3-day shutdown period will be departing from Cape Jervis at 6pm on Monday 19 October 2026.
- Temporary service shutdown: The temporary shutdown is expected to occur from Tuesday 20 October – Thursday 22 October 2026 (inclusive). It is critical to note that the service shutdown and installation of the vehicle ramps and turning dolphin will still be highly dependent on the weather.
As previously advised, the shutdown works will operate 24 hours a day, throughout this period. For the safety of the community and workers, the entire terminal precincts of Cape Jervis and Penneshaw will be closed to all access, except for authorised personnel, from the evening of Monday 19 October until the morning of Friday 23 October 2026.
While these important works are undertaken, the Cape Jervis boat ramp will also be closed to all users from Monday 12 October to Friday 30 October (inclusive). Alternate boat launching facilities are available at Wirrina Cove during this period.
- Post temporary service shutdown: Services will resume on Friday 23 October 2026 (weather dependent) on a limited departure schedule with Sealion 2000 only, for an anticipated 3 – 4 days. During this time, Wanggami will be used to provide final crew training, on-water familiarisation, and system testing in the Cape Jervis and Penneshaw harbours with the new vehicle ramps and turning dolphin infrastructure.
- Transition to both new vessels: Following this period, our existing departure schedule is anticipated to resume with Wanggami and Sealion 2000 for approximately 2-3 weeks. During this time, Ruwi will be used for final training of our remaining crew, on-water familiarisation within the harbours and system testing ahead of commencing service.
This is an important transition period as the new service is introduced. While every effort will be made to maintain scheduled operations, occasional operational adjustments may be required as crews, vessels and systems are progressively brought into service. As with weather-related changes, flexibility may be required during this period to support a safe and successful transition to the new service.
- New timetable: It is anticipated the new timetable, with the two new vessels Wanggami and Ruwi, will commence in November 2026.
We are contacting affected customers (including freight) with existing bookings, in order of departure date, to re-book them on the next available service. Any changes to existing bookings will be without charge and are subject to availability.
We will work closely with emergency services and key stakeholders regarding the service shutdown period.
We are committed to minimising disruption and supporting the needs of Kangaroo Island and all travellers throughout this process.
We will continue to provide further updates, including Ruwi’s departure from Batam, and more information about when the new timetable will commence.
We apologise for the inconvenience this further delay will cause. We have a team on the ground in Batam working with the shipbuilders to expedite Ruwi’s delivery. Thank you for your continued understanding and patience as we move closer to the commencement of the new and improved Kangaroo Island Ferry Service.
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].
