MV Wolfe Islander IV
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | Wolfe Islander IV |
| Owner | Ontario Ministry of Transportation |
| Operator | Ontario Ministry of Transportation |
| Route | Kingston to Wolfe Island |
| Yard number | 539318 |
| Acquired | August 2021 |
| Status | Out of service for maintenance until October 2025 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Ferry |
| Length | 98 m (321 ft 6 in) |
| Beam | 19.8 m (65 ft 0 in) |
| Draft | 2.7 m (9 ft) |
| Installed power | Hybrid; Electric with diesel backup |
| Speed | 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph) |
| Capacity | 399 passengers; 75 cars |
MV Wolfe Islander IV is a hybrid[1] ferry serving between Kingston, Ontario and Wolfe Island in the Great Lakes. It replaces the ferry MV Wolfe Islander III and brings 50% more capacity.[2][3] Wolfe Islander IV was constructed alongside another ferry, Amherst Islander II, using the same hybrid technology.[3][1]
Wolfe Islander IV is a Damen 9819 E3[4] built at the Damen Galați shipyard in Romania.[1][2] After being handed over to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation in August 2021,[5] it was originally anticipated to be brought into full-time service in mid 2022, but faced several delays due in part to crew shortages and incomplete docking infrastructure.[6] The ferry eventually began full-time service on August 17, 2024,[7] however, as of September 2025 it has faced two major incidents that have taken it out of service for multiple months to do repairs.[8][9]
Specifications
The boat has a 2.7-metre (9 ft) draft,[10] a 19.8-metre (65 ft 0 in) beam,[5] a length of 98 metres (321 ft 6 in),[1][5] and a top speed of 12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph).[11][5] The maximum passenger capacity of the ferry is 399, with space for up to 75 vehicles as well as an area for bicycles and pedestrians.[11][12]
Service History
The ferry began full-time service August 17, 2024,[7] although construction on its dock is not expected to be completed until 2027.[9]
On December 4, 2024 the ferry drifted from its channel and ran aground resulting in damage to the hull and the ferry being taken out of service until May 20, 2025 for repairs,[8][13] and improvement works being carried out to the navigation channel.[10]
On July 19, 2025 the ferry suffered a mechanical issue with its diesel generator, which is being used to run the boat due to incomplete shore charging infrastructure.[14][15] This generator issue led to the boat being taken out of service on August 2, 2025 until at least October 2025.[9]
References
- ^ a b c d Capkun, Anthony (October 18, 2021). "Kingston-bound hybrid electric passenger and vehicle ferries". Electrical Business Magazine. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ a b "Zero-emission AMHERST ISLANDER II and WOLFE ISLANDER IV successfully completed". Shippax. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
- ^ a b Yakub, Mehanaz (21 September 2021). "Sister electric ferries now en route to Amherst Island and Wolfe Island". Electric Autonomy Canada. Retrieved 2 January 2022.
- ^ "Zero Emission Ferry and Onshore Battery Energy Storage System Amherst Islander II & Wolfe Islander IV" (PDF). Leclanché Energy Storage Solutions. September 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Road Ferry 9819 E3" (PDF). Damen. September 24, 2025.
- ^ "New electric ferries slated for Kingston region are on their way to Picton Terminals this week - Kingston". Globalnews.ca. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
- ^ a b Legge, Jenna (July 26, 2024). "New Wolfe Island ferry to begin operations next month". CBC News. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
- ^ a b Ferguson, Elliot (December 4, 2024). "'Minor damage' forces Wolfe Islander IV ferry out of service". The Kingston Whig Standard. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Newer Wolfe Island ferry to remain out of service until October". The Kingston Whig Standard. August 19, 2025. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Ferguson, Elliot (December 13, 2024). "Investigation into Wolfe Islander IV collision, repair ongoing". The Kingston Whig Standard. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
- ^ a b Gerretsen, Mark (July 2022). "An electric ferry for kingston" (PDF). Mark Gerretsen Member of Parliament. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ Hutchins, Bill (March 2, 2023). "Internal MTO memo says new Wolfe Island ferry could result in 90-minute service". Global News. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ Ferguson, Elliot (May 17, 2025). "Wolfe Islander IV to return to service Tuesday". The Kingston Whig Standard. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ Taekema, Dan (July 21, 2025). "Blown diesel generators the latest hitch for electric Wolfe Island ferry". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
- ^ Taekema, Dan (July 9, 2025). "Ontario's electric ferries are still running on diesel, and costs are adding up". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved September 24, 2025.