SeaLink announces names for new Kangaroo Island ferries, set to begin service next year. The names, selected from over 1500 submissions in a public competition, honor the region’s Indigenous heritage.
The first ferry will be named Wanggami, which means “kangaroo” in the Ngarrindjeri language. The second ferry will be called Ruwi, meaning “land”. These names were chosen with the formal approval and collaboration of the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Council, recognizing the rich cultural heritage of both Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island.
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Mark Koolmatrie, deputy chair of the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Council, emphasized the cultural significance:
“The kangaroo is symbolic of the lands on which we live and is deeply connected to our history in South Australia.”
Ngarrindjeri artist Amanda Westly elaborated on the meaning of Ruwi: “Ruwi refers to the lands we call home. Our waterways and sea, to which we have a deep connection. We take care of Ruwi, and in return, Ruwi provides us with food, medicine, and water.”
Construction of these $57 million ferries commenced in December 2022, involving a dedicated team of over 180 workers. The new vessels are 10 meters longer and 2 meters wider than their predecessors, offering an additional 150 meters of vehicle lane space. This enhancement is expected to significantly improve the ferry service capacity.
SeaLink’s general manager for South Australia, Tracy Croft, highlighted the benefits of the new ferries: “The ferries will provide a smoother ride and more capacity for local residents, freight, and visitors. We are also adding more daily departures in both peak and off-peak seasons.”
SeaLink plans to offer up to 22 scheduled crossings during peak season and 14 during off-peak periods, enhancing service levels to meet growing demand. This initiative underscores SeaLink’s commitment to delivering exceptional service, having provided the ferry connection to Kangaroo Island for over 30 years.
Secured with a 25-year contract in December 2021, SeaLink’s investment in these new ferries marks a significant step forward in supporting the region’s transportation needs. The new ferries are a testament to SeaLink’s dedication to improving connectivity and service for Kangaroo Island’s residents and visitors, ensuring a bright future for the region.
Stay tuned for updates on the launch and inaugural journeys of Wanggami and Ruwi, the new ferries set to transform travel to Kangaroo Island.
