Kelsian’s New Kangaroo Island Ferries to Double Vehicle Capacity by Mid-2026
Kelsian Group has postponed the start of its new Kangaroo Island ferry service to June 2026, citing vessel delivery delays and aiming to avoid peak season disruptions. The new ferries will significantly increase capacity and offer fare discounts to residents during the transition.
- Service commencement delayed to 1 June 2026
- New vessels double vehicle capacity and increase passenger capacity by 20%
- Discounted fares offered to Kangaroo Island residents from November 2025
- No change to FY26 underlying EBITDA guidance
- Increased weekly service frequency planned, especially during peak periods
Revised Timeline for Kangaroo Island Ferry Service
Kelsian Group Limited has announced a revised mobilisation plan for its highly anticipated Kangaroo Island ferry service, now scheduled to commence on 1 June 2026. This delay, agreed upon with the South Australian Government's Department for Infrastructure and Transport, stems from vessel delivery setbacks and a strategic decision to avoid operational disruptions during critical peak periods such as the summer holidays, Kangaroo Island Cup Carnival, and Easter school holidays.
Significant Capacity and Service Enhancements
The new vessels, named 'Wanggami' and 'Ruwi', represent a substantial upgrade over the current fleet. They will more than double the annual vehicle meterage capacity to Kangaroo Island and increase passenger capacity by approximately 20%. Alongside modern vessel designs, upgrades to marine landing infrastructure will facilitate more frequent weekly sailings, particularly in peak seasons, while improving turnaround times, onboard facilities, and safety standards.
Supporting the Community Through Transition
To ease the impact of the delay on Kangaroo Island residents, Kelsian will offer discounted vehicle fares on selected departures starting November 2025, continuing until the new ferries enter service. Following the June 2026 launch, these discounts will extend to additional services. Moreover, livestock freight fares will be maintained at current prices through the end of 2026, addressing a vital need for the island's agricultural sector. Kelsian also plans to increase weekday service frequency to at least eight return trips, up from seven, to alleviate capacity constraints.
Financial Outlook and Operational Readiness
Despite the delay, Kelsian has confirmed that its underlying EBITDA guidance for fiscal year 2026 remains unchanged. The company is actively recruiting additional crew members and conducting comprehensive training and system testing to ensure a smooth transition to the new vessels. These steps underscore Kelsian's commitment to delivering a reliable and enhanced ferry service that meets the needs of both residents and visitors.
Looking Ahead
As Kelsian prepares to launch this upgraded ferry service, the focus will be on managing the transition effectively while maintaining customer satisfaction. The increased capacity and improved service frequency promise to bolster connectivity to Kangaroo Island, supporting tourism and local communities alike.
Bottom Line?
Kelsian’s delayed ferry launch balances operational readiness with community needs, setting the stage for a transformative transport upgrade.
Questions in the middle?
- What specific factors caused the vessel delivery delays?
- How will the fare discounts impact Kelsian’s revenue during the transition period?
- Will the increased service frequency be sustainable beyond the initial peak seasons?
