The Louisiana Transportation Authority approved a contract Sept. 24 for New Orleans-based LabMar Ferry Services to take over operations and maintenance of the Cameron Ferry from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
LabMar will assume responsibility for the ferries and terminals under the agreement. DOTD said it plans to work with the company during a 60-day transition.
The ferry crosses the Calcasieu Ship Channel and serves residents and businesses in Cameron Parish. DOTD has operated the crossing for more than 60 years.
DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet said LabMar has committed to retaining DOTD ferry employees. Staff from other ferries will also be available to assist, the department said.
State Rep. Ryan Bourriaque, chairman of the Louisiana Transportation Authority, thanked DOTD employees for operating the service and said he hopes the agreement, along with delivery of the new Holly Beach ferry, will improve reliability.
The state’s $49.7 million ferry replacement project calls for two vessels, each measuring 190'×50'×13', to replace the Cameron II, which was built in 1964. The first vessel, Holly Beach, is being built at Thoma-Sea Constructors. The new ferries are designed to allow large commercial vehicles to load and unload without interrupting service. The original project schedule called for the first ferry to be completed in late 2025 and the second in early 2026.
WorkBoat reached out to DOTD and Thoma-Sea Constructors for further specs on the vessels.
