We are providing an important update regarding the planned ferry service shutdown for the ramp infrastructure installation required for the new vessels.
We can confirm that service shutdown and installation will proceed as planned from 20 to 22 October 2026 inclusive, subject to weather conditions. As previously communicated, no ferry services can operate during this shutdown as the new ramps are installed at both Cape Jervis and Penneshaw.
Consistent with previous advice, once the new ramps are installed, SeaLion 2000 will recommence operation as a single vessel for three to four days while harbour training of crew occurs on the first new vessel, Wanggami, before she is brought into service.
Wanggami will commence operations alongside Sealion 2000 between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw following the completion of port infrastructure works, crew training and systems testing. Wanggami will start at the end of October 2026 on the existing timetable, as previously advised.
In relation to Ruwi, the second new vessel for the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service, she successfully completed her sea trials and is ready for departure. Despite SeaLink’s best efforts to facilitate a departure date for Ruwi to commence alongside Wanggami, commercial negotiations with the company SeaLink contracted to supply Ruwi, have not yet been successful.
SeaLink representatives are on the ground talking to the local shipyard in relation to expediting a departure date for Ruwi.
Last month SeaLink commenced proceedings in the Federal Court Admiralty jurisdiction against the company contracted to supply Ruwi seeking orders that the vessel be delivered.
While extremely disappointing for everyone involved, we are doing everything within our power to ensure Ruwi arrives in South Australia.
We hope this provides some certainty to the Kangaroo Island community and other ferry passengers that the service shutdown and transition to the commencement of the first of our two new ferries will proceed as previously advised.
We sincerely apologise for the delay of the commencement of both new ferries, however we look forward to bringing the first new ferry into service later this month and will provide further updates as soon we can once the departure date for Ruwi is confirmed.
Please find below the confirmed transition schedule in the coming weeks.
Transition schedule
- Last service before temporary shutdown (no change): 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 (no change): The temporary shutdown is expected to occur from Tuesday 20 October – Thursday 22 October 2026 (inclusive) – subject to weather conditions. 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. Cape Jervis boat ramp will 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 (no change): 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.
- Commencement of Wanggami on the existing ferry timetable (no change): Wanggami will commence service alongside the current ferry SeaLion 2000 once training, testing and familiarisation has been completed.
- Commencement of Ruwi with Wanggami and the expanded timetable: Updates will be provided on the planned commencement of the second ferry, Ruwi, and the expanded ferry schedule as part of the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service, when confirmed.
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 or require assistance, please contact us on [email protected].
