SeaLink South Australia has marked an important milestone in the delivery of the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service, with Wanggami, the first of two new larger vessels, having departed the shipyard in Batam, Indonesia.

Currently in Cairns, Queensland, the vessel will travel approximately 5,200 nautical miles, sailing south-east through Indonesian waters before continuing down the Queensland coast where it will make its way to Port Adelaide in South Australia.

Wanggami’s departure represents a significant step forward in the delivery of the new Kangaroo Island ferry service. Once in operation, the new vessels will provide increased capacity and flexibility, more daily departures, improved accessibility and customer experience, and a safer and more reliable service between the mainland and Kangaroo Island.

Tracy Croft, General Manager SeaLink South Australia, said the vessel’s departure reflects the culmination of many years of planning, design and construction.

“Wanggami’s arrival in Australia marks an important milestone for the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service and for everyone who has contributed to bringing this project to life,” Ms Croft said.

“We know how important this service is for Kangaroo Island residents, freight operators, local businesses and visitors travelling to and from the island. As Wanggami prepares to continue her journey to Port Adelaide, we look forward to welcoming her into South Australian waters and progressing the next chapter of SeaLink’s Kangaroo Island ferry service.”

In advance of her arrival in Port Adelaide, SeaLink is sharing a first look inside the completed vessel, offering a preview of the improved onboard experience passengers can expect when Wanggami and its identical sister vessel, Ruwi, enter service.

Key onboard features include:

• Passenger lounge with a mix of seating options, including booth-style lounges and traditional forward-facing seats
• Large-format windows offering expansive ocean views
• A larger, centrally located café providing easier access to refreshments
• Accessible toilet facilities on every level
• A lift connecting all three levels—vehicle deck, passenger lounge and sundeck—improving accessibility and ease of movement
• A spacious sundeck with additional outdoor seating
• Sundeck lounge area with booth seating and panoramic windows
• A dedicated, secure, air-conditioned pet lounge with direct access from the vehicle deck

In addition to the enhanced passenger experience, the new vessels’ size and design provide increased operational capability.

At 60 metres in length and 20 metres wide, approximately 10 metres longer and 2 metres wider than the current vessels, Wanggami and Ruwi will provide greater vehicle capacity.

The vessels feature eight vehicle lanes, two more than the current ferries, including two central lanes specifically designed to accommodate freight carriers and high vehicles when required.

A drive-through design will allow vehicles to drive on and off in the same direction, helping improve safety, efficiency and convenience for passengers and freight operators.

Following its arrival in South Australia and completion of all mandatory inspections, regulatory checks and approvals, the vessel will undergo formal handover to SeaLink in Port Adelaide.

As with all vessel deliveries of this scale, final arrival schedules remain subject to weather and operational conditions.

Further updates, including confirmed arrival dates and information regarding the ferry service transition, will be shared once available.

For more information about the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service, including frequently asked questions about the transition, visit: www.sealink.com.au/kifs.