The MV Delaware is a passenger ferry vessel serving the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, a ferry system operated by the Delaware River & Bay Authority (DRBA).
The vessel was originally built in 1974 and is the oldest vessel in the Cape May-Lewes Ferry fleet. It measures 320 feet (98 meters) in length, has a beam of 68 feet (21 meters), a maximum draft of 7 feet (2.1 meters), and capacity for 100 cars and 800 passengers in total.
The MV Delaware is powered by two diesel engines that each generate 4,000 horsepower. It can reach a top speed of 16 knots.
Renovations
In 1994, the main passenger lounge on the second deck was refurbished. An additional passenger lounge with a deli and outdoor bar was added to the third deck, as well.
It’s original smokestacks were replace with new “shark fin” style smokestacks in 1997.
In 2001, the second and third decks were extended forward and, in 2013, the interior space on the second deck was reconfigured.
The Delaware was pulled from service for 5 months starting in November 2022 to complete routine maintenance. It received a new sprinkler system, new paint and steel was repaired where needed. The cost of the repairs was estimated to be $7.7 million.[1] The vessel returned to service in March 2023.
Other details
- IMO Number: 8990304
- Callsign: WYU8553
- Number of rafts: 4
- Number of lifeboats: 2