New Steamship Authority Vessel Brings a Breath of Fresh Air
Bianca Moorman
After eighteen long months, the Motor Vessel Woods Hole made its debut
journey across that eight mile strait to Vineyard shores. The Steamship Authority has
made this patch of ocean its romping grounds, and the maiden voyage of a new ship on
the sound only adds to the effect. The ubiquitous black-and- white paint scheme of the
SSA does indeed rule the straits, but the addition of a far shinier sister to the fleet adds
much needed vitality to the Authority’s ranks. Woods Hole, the mainland namesake of
the newest ferry, should see shorter lines and more convenient scheduling as the addition
to the roster helps ease the summer deluge of island visitors.
The ceremony brought with it a bright, sunny day on the sound. A crowd of
people, myself included, were waiting to see the new Steamship Authority ferry. As I hail
from the mountains of central Virginia, I wondered what the big hype was all about.
There was only one way to find out. 
On Monday, June 13, held a commission ceremony for the new vessel. The
ceremony lasted from noon until 2 p.m. in Woods Hole. Wayne Lamson, general
manager of the Steamship Authority, presided over the commissioning ceremony.
Lamson included the formal reading of the Orders of Commission.
A brass quintet, The Spirit of America, in addition to singers Jilly Martin and
Ryan Brooks Kelly provided the entertainment,
After the ceremony, the vessel chugged its way to Vineyard Haven for a public
viewing from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. As the ferry was approaching the dock, the whistle blew
to alert the incoming visitors. People rejoiced with claps and applause.
Once on the boat I could smell the freshly coated paint from the outside. As I was
making my way to tour the boat with my camera in my hand, I could see the long line of
people standing in line for food.
Many people on the boat got a taste of what a trip on the boat would feel like.
Everyone was outside socializing, enjoying food and having a good time on the ferry.
People were letting the wind blow in their hair and smell the fresh ocean breeze.
“I’m loving it,” Doris Clark said, “I think that it’s a nice combination between a ferry and
freight boat, in how they have combined it. The front of it to me looks like the Islander
and the back of it looks like the Katama. So I am very happy with it.”
Diana Demoe said that she really liked the boat because it is very comfortable, especially
the upstairs seating.
Lamson added, “we’re very excited to introduce this new, state of the art ferry.”
The MV Woods Hole will operate year round. The ferry will make stops in Oak
Bluffs and Vineyard Haven on Martha’s Vineyard as well as making trips from
Nantucket to Hyannis.
According to Lamson this will be the Steamship Authority’s 10 th vessel. “The
Katama will be taken out of service and it will be used as the spare vessel, so if anything
happens to our other vessels operating during the summer, that would be a standby vessel
that we could bring in on an emergency basis. We can now put other vessels into repair
during the summer,” Lamson said.
“We have been planning to replace our vessels… and we have to start replacing
the vessels on regular basis,” Lamson said.
Lamson also noted that the ferry will be able to carry more passengers on board,
rather than waiting for another ferry. And as usual, she will carry cars but will now be
able to carry all manner of trucks simultaneously.
Lamson added, “The Woods Hole will enable the Authority to meet the changing
needs of freight shippers, island residents and visitors who rely on us to provide safe and
reliable service throughout the year.”
The new ferry will also be a great help to residents traveling from the island to the
mainland. The additional ferry will make it possible to make earlier trips in day by
freeing up some space. Instead of a 6:00 AM departure, the ferry will now leave at 5:30
a.m.
Amenities included on the new ferry are Wi-Fi access, a full service snack bar and
restrooms, plus communication and navigation systems. The Woods Hole made its first
trip from Martha’s Vineyard to the Cape on Friday June 17th, and will surely be the
delight of many who call the Vineyard both home and holiday.
