The Chebeague Island Ferry (also known as the CTC Ferry)[1] is a passenger ferry which runs between Chebeague Island and Cousins Island in Maine, United States.[2] Operated by the Chebeague Transportation Company (CTC), the route was formally established in 1975,[3] although boats have carried passengers between the two islands since the late 1950s. Around 120,000 passengers make the crossing on the ferry each year.[4]
 Independence at the Cousins Island wharf (2024)
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Name | Chebeague Island Ferry |
| Owner | Chebeague Transportation Company |
| Operator | Chebeague Transportation Company |
| Route | Chebeague Island to Cousins Island, Maine |
| Builder | Washburn & Doughty Associates, East Boothbay, Maine |
| Launched | July 19, 2019 |
| Maiden voyage | 1975 |
| Status | Operational |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Ferry |
The first ferry, a wooden vessel named the Polly-Lin II, was able to carry 23 passengers. It was replaced two years later by the larger Big Squaw. The Islander was purpose-built, and was launched in 1985.[5] It was in service for thirty years and, as of 2023, is the back-up vessel.[6]
The 54-foot (16 m) Independence,[2] was introduced in 2019.[6]
A CTC-owned barge, for carrying cars, trucks and large equipment, is moored off Chebeague Island.[7]
Schedule
editThe ferry runs seven days a week, albeit with a curtailed schedule on Sundays, from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM (10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday).[3][8] It departs Chebeague Island's Stone Wharf for the Cousins Island Wharf. The crossing takes around fifteen minutes.[2][9][10]
A bus is available to bring passengers from a satellite parking lot on U.S. Route 1 in Cumberland Foreside.[10]
Construction
editThe vessel was built by Washburn & Doughty Associates in East Boothbay, Maine.
Gallery
edit-
The Independence berthed at Stone Wharf on Chebeague Island in 2024 -
Construction plate aboard the vessel -
The Islander and barge moored off Chebeague Island in 2024
References
edit- ^ "How do I get to a hospital?". www.townofchebeagueisland.org. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
- ^ a b c Writer, Gillian GrahamStaff (24 January 2021). "Chebeague Island residents worry about link to mainland as dredging project awaits". Press Herald. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
- ^ a b "The Ferry". Chebeague Transportation Company. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
- ^ Writer, Matt ByrneStaff (17 March 2013). "Ferry that joins Cousins, Chebeague islands also divides". Press Herald. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
- ^ Thompson, Katie (17 February 2015). "Weather can't stop Chebeague Island ferry service". WMTW. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
- ^ a b "HISTORY". Chebeague Transportation Company. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
- ^ "User's Guide to the Chebeague Transportation Company". www.chebeague.org. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ "Golf by ferry? Island-hopping in Maine is as fun as you'd think". Golf. 13 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
- ^ "Services". Chebeague Transportation Company. Retrieved 28 September 2023.
- ^ a b "Getting Here". Chebeague Island Inn. Retrieved 28 September 2023.