On 13 March 2026, SeaLink confirmed that Wanggami, the first of two brand-new and larger vessels, had departed the Batam shipyard in Indonesia and was now en route to Australia, covering approximately 5,200 nautical miles south-east through Indonesian waters before making her way down the Queensland coast. Wanggami will sail first into Cairns, Queensland, and then continue her journey through to Port Adelaide, where, following completion of all mandatory inspections, regulatory checks and approvals, there will be a formal handover of the vessel to SeaLink, before the ferry enters operational service on the Cape Jervis–Penneshaw route on 1 June 2026.
The milestone caps a significant long-term investment. In December 2021, the South Australian Government formally announced that SeaLink had won a competitive tender and would continue to provide this critical transport link between Cape Jervis and Penneshaw as part of the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service. Under this arrangement, SeaLink committed $57 million to build two new, larger vehicle ferries, and secured a 25-year contract running until at least June 2039, with two further five-year performance-based extension options. As Tracy Croft, General Manager of SeaLink South Australia explained: "Wanggami's departure from Batam is a culmination of many years of planning, design and construction. Such an important milestone for the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service."
The names chosen for both vessels are deeply meaningful and rooted in Indigenous culture. Wanggami means 'kangaroo' in the Ngarrindjeri language, while her sister ship Ruwi means 'land'. A powerful pairing that places the new ferry service firmly within the First Nations heritage of this corner of South Australia. The names were selected following a community naming competition, with SeaLink working closely with the NAC, the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, to gain formal approval. The NAC acts as agent for the native title rights and interests of the Ngarrindjeri people, the traditional custodians of a vast territory stretching from the Lower Murray River and the Coorong to the Fleurieu Peninsula, the very lands and waters through which travellers pass on their way to Cape Jervis. The native title rights and interests of the Ngarrindjeri people were formally recognised by the Federal Court on 14 December 2017, covering 578 parcels of land and water within the Murraylands, Coorong and Fleurieu, making their endorsement of the vessel names a meaningful and culturally significant act of acknowledgement. As the NAC has articulated, this recognition validated the Ngarrindjeri's longstanding position that they should have a voice in decisions concerning their Yarluwar-Ruwe — their sea country — and that their values and heritage interests should be incorporated and respected by the broader community. The Ngarrindjeri people have maintained a profound spiritual and cultural connection to these lands and waters for thousands of years. The very waterways that the new ferries will now cross, carrying visitors to one of Australia's most extraordinary island destinations.
The upgrade from the existing ferries is substantial, as SeaLink is keen to emphasise. At 60 metres in length and 20 metres wide, approximately 10 metres longer and 2 metres wider than the current vessels, Wanggami and Ruwi are significantly larger, with eight vehicle lanes (two more than before), including two central lanes specifically designed to accommodate freight carriers and high vehicles. In practical terms, the new vessels offer around 150 metres more vehicle lane space per departure. A transformative increase in capacity for both leisure travellers and commercial operators.
The drive-through design allows vehicles to drive on and off in the same direction, making the loading and offloading process safer, faster and more convenient for all passengers. This is a notable improvement over the current reversing system, and will be particularly appreciated by coach operators and freight carriers. Because Wanggami and Ruwi are identical in their design, freight carriers can book passage on either vessel without concern for varying specifications.
From a technical standpoint, the new vessels are powered by 735 kW Tier 3 M.A.N. engines with low-emission technology, supporting a more sustainable service and reflecting SeaLink's commitment to protecting the unique marine environment of Kangaroo Island. The engineering philosophy behind the vessels is equally forward-thinking: their design allows for direct access to the engines and propellers without the need to take the vessels out of the water, which will assist in reducing service disruptions for unscheduled maintenance and thereby improving overall service reliability. A critical consideration for an island community that depends on the ferry as its primary lifeline to the mainland, and for travellers booked with accommodation and tours on the island. SeaLink has also undertaken significant harbour infrastructure works to accommodate the new larger hulls, including dredging at Cape Jervis to create extra space, constructing a new layby berth for on-site mechanical repairs, and piling works to accommodate the new vehicle ramps at both Cape Jervis and Penneshaw.
Wanggami will call first into Cairns, Queensland, before continuing her journey to Port Adelaide, where she will undergo all mandatory inspections, regulatory checks and approvals prior to formal handover to SeaLink. Both Wanggami and her sister vessel Ruwi are anticipated to commence the new service together on 1 June 2026. Until then, SeaLink will continue operating the existing timetable with its current ferries, Sealion 2000 and Spirit of Kangaroo Island.
The transition to the new ferries will follow a carefully sequenced approach. Once both vessels are ready, the critical infrastructure works to install the new vehicle ramps at Cape Jervis and Penneshaw will be carried out. This will be followed by a five-week transition phase: for approximately three weeks, Wanggami will enter service alongside Sealion 2000, while the remaining crew complete their training and on-water familiarisation aboard Ruwi ahead of her formal service commencement. Both vessels will then operate together from 1 June 2026.
Service commencement: Both Wanggami and Ruwi are anticipated to commence the new Kangaroo Island Ferry Service on 1 June 2026.
Route: Cape Jervis (Fleurieu Peninsula) ↔ Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island) — a 45-minute crossing. Cape Jervis is 110 km from Adelaide GPO; allow approximately two hours for the drive, plus 30 minutes for check-in and boarding.
New timetable from 1 June 2026: During peak season (September to April), the service will operate 22 departures per day (11 each way) Monday to Friday, and 18 departures per day (9 each way) on weekends. During off-peak season (May to August), 14 daily departures (7 each way) will run every day. This represents a dramatic increase in frequency compared to the current service, which operates up to 12 return departures per day in peak periods.
Vehicle capacity: The new ferries offer approximately 150 metres more vehicle lane space per departure compared to the current vessels, with drive-through loading for faster turnarounds.
On-board amenities: Free Wi-Fi and device charging stations throughout the vessel, a larger centrally located café, a spacious sundeck, and large-format windows on every level.
Coach & bus connections: SeaLink is working closely with transport providers to ensure bus and coach transfer timetables are aligned with the new ferry schedule.
Freight & special vehicles: Freight carriers can book on either vessel, offering greater flexibility for the transport of goods, including agricultural products such as grain and hay.
Pets: A dedicated, secure, air-conditioned pet lounge is available on board, accessible directly from the vehicle deck.
