As preparations continue for the commencement of the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service, we are providing an update on a significant milestone for the second vessel Ruwi and confirmation of the temporary service shutdown period.
We are excited to share that Ruwi has commenced harbour commissioning and sea trials in Batam, Indonesia, marking a significant milestone in the vessel's build and commissioning program.
These activities test the vessel's performance, manoeuvrability, safety systems and operational capabilities, allowing for final refinements ahead of its final departure for South Australia.
As previously communicated, based on the current testing and commissioning schedule, Ruwi is anticipated to arrive in South Australia in August 2026.
Meanwhile, Wanggami continues to progress through operational readiness activities in Adelaide to prepare the vessel for service commencement.
Temporary service shutdown and transition timeline
We can advise that the temporary service shutdown required to support the transition to the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service is expected to occur from Tuesday 1 September – Thursday 3 September 2026 (inclusive).
The planned shutdown is necessary to complete final critical infrastructure works, including the installation of new vehicle ramps at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw, before the new service commences.
The new ramp infrastructure changes and other works required for the new ferries will be installed after both vessels are ready. This will ensure a seamless and safe transition to the new service.
The following timeline outlines the key dates leading to service commencement:
- Ruwi arrival: Ruwi is expected to arrive at Port Adelaide in South Australia in August 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 31 August 2026.
- Temporary service shutdown: The temporary shutdown is expected to occur from Tuesday 1 September – Thursday 3 September 2026 (inclusive). It is critical to note that the service shutdown and installation of the vehicle ramps and turning dolphin will be highly dependent on the weather.
The shutdown works will be continuous and 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 31 August until the morning of Friday 4 September 2026.
While these important works are undertaken, the Cape Jervis boat ramp will also be closed to all users from Monday 24 August to Friday 11 September (inclusive). Alternate boat launching facilities are available at Wirrina Cove during this period. - Post temporary service shutdown: Services will resume on Friday 4 September 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 on 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 formal service commencement.
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. - Service Commencement: It is anticipated the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service will commence on or before 23 September 2026.
