Wolfe Islander III is the ferry currently serving between Kingston, Ontario and Wolfe Island. She can hold approximately 55 cars, and is end-loading. The length of the car deck is 61 metres (200 feet). The vehicle height restriction is 4.4 m (14 feet, 5 inches). As it is the only public access to Wolfe Island, the vessel operates as a free ferry. Crossing time is approximately 20 minutes. She was launched into service on 5 February 1976 by then Ontario Minister of Transportation, James W. Snow.[1]

Vehicles loading off Wolfe Islander III at the ferry docks in Kingston harbour.
History
NameWolfe Islander III
OwnerOntario Government
OperatorMinistry of Transportation
Port of registryCanada Kingston, Ontario
RouteKingston, Ontario and Wolfe Island (Ontario)
Cost$17.1 million
Laid down5 August 1973
Launched1 September 1973
Christened1 February 1975
Completed1 January 1975
Acquired1 February 1976
Maiden voyage2 February 1976
In service5 February 1976
Identification
StatusIn service
General characteristics
Tonnage
  • 1,550 GT
  • 1,150 NT
Displacement
  • 660 tons (empty)
  • 990 tons (part load/half load)
  • 1,490 tons (full load)
Length200 ft (61 m)
Beam65 ft (19.8 m)
Draught6 ft (1.8 m)
Depth11.5 ft (3.5 m)
Decks2
Deck clearance18 ft 6 inch (5.64 m)
Ramps2
Installed power1,850 bhp (1,380 kW)
Propulsion
Speed18 knots (33.34 km/h)
Capacity55 cars & 296 passengers
Crew6

The previous ferry in service was Wolfe Islander II.

The ferry terminal on Wolfe Island varied by season until the fall of 2020. During the summer season (approximately April to December), the Marysville dock was used, while during the winter season (December to April), the Dawson’s Point dock was used, located 4.8 km (3.0 mi) east of Marysville. During the three-year reconstruction of the Barrack Street Dock in Kingston and the Marysville dock on Wolfe Island, the Dawson's Point dock will be used year-round on the Wolfe Island side.[2] The route used to include a bubbler system that stretched to the Barrack Street Dock in Kingston, Ontario. It became non-operational for several years, and the machinery was removed in the fall of 2020 during Barrack Street dock reconstruction at Kingston.[3]

The Kingston Terminal is located at the foot of Barrack Street, at Ontario Street.

In 2017, the Ontario provincial government ordered a new battery electric powered 98 metres (322 ft) ferry with a capacity of 399 people and 75 vehicles from Damen Group to operate the Wolfe Island route.[4] That new ferry, the MV Wolfe Islander IV was to have begun operations in April 2022 as the new vessel is compatible with both the existing and new dock and ramp infrastructure.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Weather, the Canadian Pastime!: Wolfe Islander III 30th Anniversary". Wolfe Island Monthly News. February 16, 2006. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
  2. ^ "Wolfe Island Ferry Schedule". WolfeIsland.com. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
  3. ^ "Marine Structures Planning Report" (PDF). URS Corporation. June 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 2, 2012.
  4. ^ "Ontario Government Accepts Damen Proposal for Full Ferry Electrification". Damen Group. March 20, 2018. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  5. ^ "Sister electric ferries now en route to Amherst Island and Wolfe Island". September 21, 2021. Retrieved January 12, 2022.
 
MV Wolfe Islander III side view while underway
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