SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority announces an update on the Neebish Island Ferry Service. Please note that the previously anticipated service suspension and vessel lift have been further delayed due to recent logistical issues with various agencies.
Updates:
- United States Coast Guard Approval & Extended Running Conditions: The USCG has officially approved an extension of the special running conditions for the Neebish Islander Ill. This extension accommodates MCM’s revised timeline to complete the Sugar Islander Il drydock work within this window, weather permitting. This will allow the Neebish Island Ferry to continue running with no missed service days.
- We expect the Sugar Islander II to be complete, with all work finalized and inspected, in about two weeks (barring weather conditions and other factors). Once back in service at Sugar Island, the Drummond Islander Ill will mobilize to Neebish Island and begin service there.
- The Neebish Islander Ill will then mobilize to MCM Marine for repair. This work is expected to take 2-3 days, barring adverse weather or unforeseen circumstances.
- With these repairs complete, the Drummond Islander III will return to Drummond Island.
- Reminder: The Neebish Islander ferry will continue to run on the following contingencies until the repair is complete.
- Limited Schedule: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 P.M., 4:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. run will continue until all traffic is cleared.
- All runs are pending; no fog or visibility issues are hindering movement.
- Vehicle Restrictions: Passenger vehicles only, as vehicles must back off the ferry boat.
- Capacity Limit: A maximum of 8 vehicles per trip.
- No Trailers: Trailers will not be permitted.
- Weight and Size Limits: No oversize or excessively heavy loads will be accepted.
- Favorable Weather Only: Operations will be suspended during adverse weather, requiring no or very little fog, good visibility, sustained winds under 20 mph, and gusts under 25 mph.
Daylight Hours Only: No operations after dark. - Emergency Runs: EUPTA has been granted permission to run outside of the above restrictions in the event of emergencies.
- If propane or other heating fuel is needed, please contact the EUPTA office for possible delivery coordination.
- Weather Contingencies: Weather will determine timelines and ferry movement. Timelines can vary depending on the weather.
- Schedule changes: This is a working document, and EUPTA reserves the right to change or alter the schedule at any time
EUPTA apologizes for any inconvenience this has caused to the residents and visitors using EUPTA Ferry services. We appreciate your patience and resilience during this necessary repair. We will work diligently to complete the required work as quickly and safely as possible to restore regular service. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to https://www.eupta.net/ferry-system/eupta-delays-and-cancellations/, the Neebish Island Ferry Facebook Page, or the Delays and Cancellations Phone Line at 906.632.1516
