Types of Ferry

Ferries vary enormously in size and design depending on their function or the services they provide. Such factors as water conditions, distance of travel, and required capacity for passengers, vehicles and/or cargo will influence the type of ferry used. Different types of ferry include, among others, cruise ferries, catamarans, hydrofoils, hovercrafts, turntable ferries and cable ferries, most of which remain in operation today. In this section, we take a look at the various types of ferry in more detail.

Cable Ferries (or Chain Ferries)

Cable ferries are small ferries used to transport passengers across short distances through the use of cables connected to each shore. These vessels may be self-propelled or powered manually, often assisted by the current.

Catamarans

Catamarans are high speed ferries capable of transporting passengers and, in the case of larger craft, vehicles. The largest Catamarans are operated by Stena Line providing transportation services between the UK and Ireland.

Cruise Ferries (or Cruiseferries)

Cruise ferries are large passenger and vehicle ferries suitable for long distance transportation. They can be considered a cross-between roll-on/roll-off ferries and cruise ships.

Double-Ended Ferries

Double-ended ferries are small, short-distance ferries with an interchangeable bow and stern, allowing travel in both directions without the need to turn through 180 degrees. This ability to travel without turning makes double-ended ferries suitable for short trips between terminals. Access ramps are featured on both ends of the ferry for ease of loading and unloading. Double-ended ferries are popular in such countries as Australia  and Norway.

Foot Ferries

Foot ferries are small vessels used to transport passengers over short distances, usually across rivers in towns and cities. The name of these ferries is derived from their main function of carrying passengers on foot, though they often also transport cyclists.  Cable ferries are a type of foot ferry.

Hovercrafts

Developed in the 1960s, hovercrafts have been used to transport passengers and even cars in later, larger craft. Over recent times however, hovercrafts have become superseded by Catamarans which provide a more comfortable passenger experience especially in more volatile sea conditions. The largest hovercraft, operating through the English Channel between England and France, was the SR.N4 which featured access ramps at both bow and stern ends and which had the capacity to transport substantial numbers of cars and passengers.

Hydrofoils

Hydrofoils are sea vessels capable of high cruising speeds, typically used for passenger transport. Representing a fast, efficient and practical transport ferry, hydrofoils are popular on many English Channel routes.

Pontoon Ferries

Pontoon ferries are small craft used to transport vehicles across rivers and short stretches of water. This type of ferry is popular in less developed countries as an alternative to the costly construction of bridges.

Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) Ferries

Roll-on/roll-off (or ro-ro) ferries are large, high capacity ferries used for transporting passengers and vehicles, designed in such a way as to allow vehicles to efficiently embark and disembark.

RoPax Ferries

RoPax ferries are high capacity passenger and vehicle ferries capable of high speeds through conventional diesel propulsion and propellers. RoPax ferries can reach speeds in excess of 25 Knots (equivalent to around 30 mph). The Attica group first pioneered RoPax ferries back in 1995, providing transportation services between Greece and Italy.

Turntable Ferries

Turntable ferries feature a unique rotating platform for conveniently loading vehicles from the side. During transportation, the loading platform is returned to a position parallel to the vessel.