Funding advances Cape May-Lewes Ferry’s long-term fleet modernization program
NORTH CAPE MAY — U.S. Sen. Cory Booker joined Delaware River and Bay Authority officials Aug. 28 at the Cape May Ferry Terminal to highlight $30 million in additional federal funding secured for a second new diesel-hybrid passenger and vehicle ferry. It was the final day of the senator’s annual 21-County Tour.
During his visit, Booker toured Cape May-Lewes Ferry operations with DRBA leadership, learned more about the organization’s ongoing vessel modernization program and saw firsthand the current fleet that has served travelers across Delaware Bay for decades.
The additional $30 million in federal funding represents another major step toward modernizing the Cape May-Lewes Ferry fleet and supporting reliable ferry service between Cape May and Lewes, Del., for future generations.
“For over 60 years, the Cape May–Lewes Ferry has been a vital crossing connecting New Jersey and Delaware, which is a significant contributor to our regional economy. This grant award is critical toward our efforts to modernize our fleet with cleaner, more efficient hybrid technology for the next generation.
“Beyond the environmental benefits, this investment safeguards an essential engine that drives more than $250 million in annual tourism and economic activity to the region. We are incredibly thankful for Senator Booker’s dedicated advocacy on behalf of the DRBA and the thousands of travelers who depend on our crossing every day,” said Joel Coppadge, executive director of the DRBA.
Booker was joined by Coppadge, Deputy Executive Director Ceil Smith, Chief Operations Officer Vince Meconi and Director of Ferry Operations Heath Gehrke.
Next generation
of ferry vessels
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is embarking on one of the most significant fleet modernization efforts in its history.
In November 2025, the DRBA awarded a $78.6 million contract to SENESCO Marine LLC of North Kingstown, R.I., for the construction and outfitting of the first new 75-car passenger/vehicle diesel-hybrid ferry. The vessel is expected to enter service for the summer 2029 season.
That first vessel received significant federal support through a $20 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant, with Booker and members of Delaware’s Congressional delegation playing important roles in securing federal funding for the project.
The additional $30 million announced during the visit Aug. 28 will help advance plans for a second diesel-hybrid vessel, continuing the DRBA’s long-term effort to replace its aging diesel-powered fleet.
The next-generation ferries are being designed to provide a more efficient and environmentally responsible approach to crossing Delaware Bay while maintaining the vehicle and passenger transportation capabilities that have made the Cape May-Lewes Ferry an important regional transportation link for more than six decades.
Investing in future
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry has connected Cape May and Lewes since July 1, 1964, carrying more than 50 million passengers across Delaware Bay.
Today, the ferry serves not only as an alternative transportation route between New Jersey and Delaware, but also as an important contributor to tourism and economic activity throughout the region. Ferry operations support more than 4,000 jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in regional economic activity.
Modernizing the fleet is an important part of ensuring that connection continues well into the future.
Booker’s visit provided an opportunity to see the ferry operation firsthand, meet with DRBA team members and discuss how federal investment can support the next generation of vessels serving Delaware Bay.
With the first diesel-hybrid ferry already under contract and additional federal funding now secured toward a second vessel, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry is moving forward with a long-term transformation of its fleet — one designed to preserve an iconic Delaware Bay transportation service while preparing it for the decades ahead.