The Delaware River and Bay Authority Commission has unanimously approved a $78.6 million contract to build a diesel-hybrid ferry that will serve the Cape May-Lewes route.
SENESCO Marine LLC of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, will construct and outfit the 75-car passenger and vehicle ferry, according to a statement by the river and bay agency.
Work is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with completion expected in 2029.
The vessel will eventually replace the MV Cape Henlopen, which has been in service for more than 40 years, transporting people and vehicles between Cape May in southern New Jersey and Lewes in southern Delaware.
The commission made the decision at its Nov. 18 meeting.
The hybrid vessel is designed to operate with zero emissions while near port and docked, with reduced emissions at sea.
Annual reductions are projected to include 2,025 tons of carbon dioxide, 102.7 tons of nitrogen dioxide, 1.51 tons of fine particulate matter, 1.03 tons of hydrocarbons, and 5 tons of carbon monoxide.
Fuel consumption should drop by an estimated 35%.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is providing $20 million in grant funding toward the project’s total cost.
