Project update: moving forward with Crofton and Vesuvius berth work

In September 2024, we shared our early plans for marine infrastructure improvements and committed to providing a project update in early 2025. We’re pleased to confirm that we are moving forward with critical infrastructure repairs at Crofton Terminal and Vesuvius Terminal, beginning in fall 2025.

These upgrades will help ensure the long-term reliability of our terminals and prepare the route for the arrival of two new Island Class vessels in fall 2026.

What’s Planned

To support increased service levels and improve customer experience, the following work will take place:

Crofton Terminal

Construction of a new lay-by berth to support the second vessel

Utility upgrades

Maintenance and repairs to the existing berth and trestle for continued safe and reliable service

Vesuvius Terminal

Maintenance and repairs to the existing berth and trestle for continued safe and reliable service

Project Timeline

Why this Work Matters

These works support a stronger, more reliable ferry service for our customers and communities:

More Trips, Less Waiting
Two Island Class vessels will allow for increased sailing frequency—meaning shorter wait times for vehicles and passengers. Traffic in the terminal holding area will clear more quickly, with less congestion on nearby streets.

Stronger Service Resiliency
With both vessels homeported at Crofton Terminal and supported by the new lay-by berth, we’ll have improved crew recruitment and retention, greater flexibility in scheduling, and better service reliability.

Minimal Disruption During Construction
Work is being carefully phased and planned to reduce impact to service, and no extended berth closures will be required for the duration of the project.

Future Terminal Upgrades

As we provided in our update in March 2024, as an essential public service, it is our job to keep people moving safely and reliably. We review our capital plan regularly to ensure it’s helping us achieve those goals. During the annual review, we prioritized two main aspects of our capital investment plan:

The work required to ensure the maintenance and continued reliability of our infrastructure
The delivery of vessels to replace our aging fleet and meet the growing capacity demands of the communities we serve, and the replacement of berths required to support new vessel introductions.

Crofton and Vesuvius projects will focus on the berth infrastructure, in their original location, to ensure continued reliability and to prepare the terminals for the introduction of two new Island Class vessels in fall of 2026.

Understanding the effects of peak season traffic, we will continue to utilize all traffic control measures to minimize impacts. We anticipate the increase in capacity and frequency offered by the Island Class vessels will also allow vehicles to move through the terminal and off the local roadways more efficiently. In addition, we continue to look for all opportunities to effectively manage vehicle capacity at the terminals.