Ferry Will Shift Marine Ops in 2008 to N. Cape May

NORTH CAPE MAY — Delaware River and Bay Authority officials, on Dec. 11, announced
plans to consolidate marine operations of the Cape May – Lewes Ferry system into a single
facility.
Currently, one of five vessels is berthed at the Lewes terminal; but effective Nov. 1,
2008, all marine crews and vessels will be stationed at the Cape May facility. All Lewes-based permanent
marine crew members will be offered work here.
According to a DRBA release, “This decision is part of a comprehensive plan to improve operations and to close the operating deficit at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry, which was $6.8 million in 2006.”
That figure does not include other operating and overhead expenses directly attributable to the ferry operation, such as
security, insurance premiums, and food and retail. If these costs are included, the deficit rises to
more than $9 million.
According to Jim Walls, chief operations officer for the DRBA, the decision to consolidate
marine operations offers greater flexibility and promotes cost efficiencies.
“By having all the vessels berthed in Cape May, the service will be able to provide more vessel departures during peak customer travel times, improve productivity during vessel maintenance periods, and makes available better
leave relief for all marine crew members,” Walls noted.
“We value our Lewes-based crewmembers’ consistent dedication to duty and personal contributions to the Authority and we will work with them to make the transition as smooth as possible,” he added.
The decision, which affects 13 permanent marine employees, does not impact Lewes terminal
functions.
Historically, the DRBA berthed vessels at both terminals from 1964 through 1971.
To consolidate maintenance activities, the DRBA moved all vessels to New Jersey in 1972.
On June 27, 1997, the DRBA berthed one vessel at the Lewes facility to support simultaneous departures
from both terminals.
The Cape May – Lewes Ferry (CMLF) operates year round and has carried more than thirtyfi
ve million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. In 2006, the ferry service, which connects
Victorian Cape May, New Jersey and historic Lewes, Delaware, transported more than 350,000 and
approximately 1.1 million passengers.