The Steamship Authority is considering requests from two marine transportation companies seeking to expand service to Martha’s Vineyard, according to reporting from the Vineyard Gazette.
Seastreak has asked to resume year-round passenger service between New Bedford, Mass., and Vineyard Haven. The ferry operator previously received approval for year-round service in 2023 but discontinued winter operations after carrying about 30 to 40 commuters per day.
The company is reconsidering the route following the March 2025 extension of commuter rail service to New Bedford, which provides a connection between Boston and Martha’s Vineyard without traveling over the Cape Cod bridges. Seastreak is also exploring grant funding to offset expected winter operating losses, the Vineyard Gazzette reported.
The Vineyard Gazzette reported that the Steamship Authority staff have asked the company to consider adding a Woods Hole stop to serve commuters traveling to employers and schools in the area. Seastreak’s current seasonal Vineyard service is scheduled to end Oct. 12.
According to the Vineyard Gazzette, New Bedford-based Offshore Tug & Transportation has also requested authority to begin serving Martha’s Vineyard. The company already holds a license to transport freight to and from Nantucket and operates former Steamship Authority freight vessels.
The authority plans to evaluate the need for another Vineyard freight operator because 41 North Offshore and R.M. Packer already serve the island, the Vineyard Gazzette reported.
The Steamship Authority’s governing board is expected to consider both licensing requests during its Sept. 15 meeting in Nantucket.
