Updated as of 6/26/26
Overview
Casco Bay Lines is updating portions of its vessel fleet as part of its long-term asset management and service planning efforts. Passenger vessels typically have a useful life of approximately 30 years, after which maintenance and repair costs increase significantly.
Fleet Updates
The replacement of the Machigonne II is nearing completion with the introduction of Battery Steele, expected to enter service in Fall 2026.
View all vessels currently in service and learn more about CBITD Vessels here.
Maquoit II Replacement Vessel
The Maquoit II, an indispensable vessel in the CBITD fleet, will soon reach the end of its useful life. The ferry serves as a lifeline for five unbridged islands “down the bay”, carrying passengers and freight nearly 50 miles each day, 365 days a year, and delivering U.S. mail to the farthest reaches of the service area. Equipped with a heavy-duty crane, it is also CBITD’s primary freight-carrying vessel.
As part of prior work to replace the Machigonne, Casco Bay Lines’ staff and Board of Directors opted to pursue a diesel electric propulsion system for the new vessel in place of a conventional diesel mechanical propulsion system. In 2021, CBL applied for and was awarded $3.6 million in FTA competitive grant funding to support a diesel-electric propulsion in the Maquoit replacement vessel. CBL estimates utilizing this propulsion system in the new downbay vessel will eliminate an additional 1,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually over the vessel’s 30-year lifespan. It will also dramatically improve the rider and neighbor experience by significantly reducing exhaust fumes and eliminating excessive engine noise and vibrations found on existing vessels.
Casco Bay Lines has secured additional grant funding for design and construction of the vessel. In early 2023, following a competitive RFP process, Bristol Harbor Group Inc. was selected as the naval architect for the project. As part of this contract, Bristol Harbor Group has led predesign and preliminary design efforts, working closely with Casco Bay Lines and a Vessel Advisory Committee established to guide the process. This work has included evaluation of vessel size and configuration, propulsion systems, operational features, and overall project goals.
The preliminary design phase has now been completed, culminating in a draft Preliminary Design Report presented to the Board. Through this process, a preferred propulsion approach has been identified, and the project is preparing to advance into the next phase of contract design.
Public feedback may be submitted to moc.s1783795008enily1783795008abocs1783795008ac@tc1783795008ejorP1783795008noita1783795008ulavE1783795008teelF1783795008 or Casco Bay Lines Attn: Fleet Evaluation Project, P.O. Box 4656, Portland, ME, 04112-4656, and all comments sent to this inbox/mailing address will be shared with the Board of Directors prior to their consideration of the proposed vessel design.
Please Note: while Casco Bay Lines makes every effort to respond to all questions, we ask for your patience as we may be receiving large volumes.