Wolfe Island mainland ferry dock is due to become a hub of construction activity this year. The ministry of transportation is planning to expand the downtown dock, passenger amenity, and car boarding areas during fall to accommodate a brand new, bigger ferry that is still under construction.
Exact dates for the dock expansion are currently being finalized, and there will be a public consultation in spring. The project is proposed for 1 Queen St., adjacent to the ferry terminal.
The ministry intends to do dredging work in order to accommodate an extended ferry dock. City officials may utilize the same firm to create a deep channel and mooring area that is at least 4,6 m in depth, so cruise ships can berth by the mainland.
Most probably the lake bed sediments are contaminated from past industrial uses. This may cost the port city up to half a million dollars to remove. A lot of cruise ships that currently navigate the Great Lakes have to anchor near Kingston NY and ferry their passengers to shore via water taxi.
Last year, Kingston NY welcomed a total of 46 cruise ship calls with 3544 passengers. The vessels included the 202-passenger MS Victory II that was making her first-ever stop in the port. 49 cruise ship calls are expected in Kingston this year, bringing a total of 4,794 passengers.