Almost four years past it’s scheduled delivery date, the Ocracoke Express passenger only ferry has been delivered. Plagued by shoddy construction that failed to pass Coast Guard welding standards, the ferry was originally scheduled to go into operation in May of 2018.
In order to provide passenger only service between Hatteras and Ocracoke, the NCDOT Ferry Division has leased a passenger only ferry for the past three years.
A catamaran style craft, the passenger only ferry is part of the Ferry Division’s response to increasingly long wait times to get on the car ferries connecting Hatteras Island with Ocracoke. Wait times have been exacerbated by shoaling at Hatteras Inlet, creating a ferry route that takes almost an hour to complete.
The ferry, rated for a little more than 100 passengers, has provisions for bikes and includes facilities for wheelchairs. There is also a lounge area available for passengers taking the 70 minute journey.
They passenger only ferry will dock at Silver Lake in the middle of Ocracoke Village.
NCDOT has not indicated when the Ocracoke Express will make its initial run with passengers. Last year’s season was shortened because of COVID concerns and did not begging until June. However, original plans for the ferry called for service beginning in May. The ship is currently undergoing testing on the water.
The Village of Ocracoke is a wonderful day trip from almost any Brindley Beach Vacations home—another reason to make those vacation reservations as soon as possible.
