Ferries

Ferries are very diverse. From the small punt style passenger carrying boat across a small river to the huge cruise ship style international car carrying vessel, all of them serve the same basic purpose. To get people and things from point A to point B across an expanse of water. In this blog I shall discuss some of the variants, the history, and the usefulness of ferries in various parts of the world.

There is mention of a ferry in Greek mythology, Charon was the ferryman that transported souls to the Underworld across the River Styx. Boats have plied their trade across rivers, lakes and the narrower sea channels for millenia, often just a simple wooden craft powered by oars or used as a punt. It is thought that the Romans used horses or oxen to power paddles in a system similar to paddle steamers that even nowadays are used on, for example, the Mississippi.

Today's efficient Roll On, Roll Off (Ro/Ro) cross channel and sea going vessels were original invented to transport trains across the Forth and Clyde Canal in Scotland in around 1833.

Foot Ferries.

This type of ferry only carries people. Often across very short stretches of water or rivers . They invariably provide a short cut to usually many miles of walking to the nearest bridge. The smallest may only carry a few passengers but larger vessels could carry many thousands of commuters.

Major cities with large foot ferries include New York, Hong Kong, and Sydney. Many canals are crossed by foot ferries especially in places like the Netherlands and Venice.

Cable Ferries

This variant uses a cable that is stretched across the water to provide stability and directional security. They are mainly used on shorter river crossing where there may be a stronger current or tidal flow.

The longest of this type travels between Vancouver Island and Denman Island in British Columbia, Canada. In Finland there are over 40 examples of Chain Ferries crossing lakes, rivers and between islands.

Cable ferries can carry vehicles and foot passengers, some may even carry freight vehicles and busses.

Turntable Ferries.


These ferries have the ability to load vehicles from the side of the vessel. They are often small or medium sized and may be used where one side of the crossing has a ramp and the other may be in a harbour. Vehicles are driven onto the turntable and then turned to face in a different direction for ease of loading or offloading. 

Ro/Ro Ferries.

By far the most common ferry especially on sea crossings is the Roll On Roll Off ferry. So called because vehicles can easily be loaded by rolling on or off under their own power. Prior to the invention of this kind of ferry vehicles had to be hoisted by crane into the hold of the vessel. Vehicles of all types, including in some places trains, can be carried and are usually loaded via a hinged bow or rear ramp.

The origin and development of this type of ferry dates back to the Train ferries of World War 1 and the Landing Ships of the Second World War that could deliver tanks directly onto the beach.

Most modern Car Carrier vessels are now Ro/Ro and often travel long distances around the world delivering new cars from manufacturing plants worldwide.

Other Variations,

There are some different variations on the theme of ferries that are used around the world. For example......

As of 2021, the only scheduled hovercraft service is between the UK mainland and the Isle of Wight.

Hydrofoils are faster and more efficient than conventional boats and are in operation in many parts of the world.

A sea tractor is a specially built tractor that runs along the sea bed with passengers carried above the sea level. They are quite rare, the one pictured above is used to transport guests to a hotel on a small tidal island.

With the current environmental concerns over glabal warming and the over use of fossil fuels, some ferries are now using alternative power sources.

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and Methanol are being used in various places and several companies in Scandinavia now run electric ferries.

E-ferry "Ellen" is currently being sailed between two ports on the Danish island of Ærø, and is capable of carrying up to 30 vehicles and 200 passengers. Partly funded by the EU who propose to introduce at least 100 more of these ferries by 2030.

Perhaps the best known ferry was written about by Gerry Marsden in the song "Ferry Cross The Mersey" in 1964 (released in 1965 in USA). A film of the same name featuring Gerry and his band the Pacemakers was also released. A charity remake was also recorded by The Christians featuring Gerry Marsden amongst others in aid of the Hillsborough Football Disaster.

Chris de Burgh released a song called "Don't Pay the Ferryman" that is thought to reference Greek mythology.

Oldest Route still in use.....Mersey Ferry from Liverpool to Birkenhead. Started by Benedictine monks in 1150 and recieved a royal charter in 1330.

Ferry service with most destinations....Waxholmsbolaget, a company that operates 21 ships to around 300 ports of call in the Stockholm archipelago.

Fastest ferry...."Luciano Federico L" is a catamaran car ferry registered in Uruguay that plies it's trade between Buenos Aires and Montevideo.

Shortest Route....Ferry Lina across the Gota Canal in Toreboda, Sweden. The ferry is pulled across by hand using a rope and takes on average 30 seconds to make the crossing.

Longest Route....Bellingham, Washington State to Homer, Alaska, USA 2219km or 1378 miles. Operated by Alaska Marine Highway.

Now you've read my blog why not try the Quiz. All the answers can be found in this blog. Good Luck