SeaLink South Australia has announced the names of the two new ferries set to enhance the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service in the first half of 2025.

Following a competition where the community was invited to participate in a naming competition in 2023 that attracted over 1,500 submissions, SeaLink has been working with the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Council (NAC) to seek formal approval, acknowledging the rich cultural heritage connected to Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island.

SeaLink South Australia General Manager Tracy Croft said, “We had an incredible response from the community with over 1500 names submitted, which shows the deep connection with the ferry service to Kangaroo Island from the South Australian community.”

Tracy Croft was joined by Mark Koolmatrie, Deputy Chair of NAC to announce the names of the new vessels as ‘Wanggami’ and ‘Ruwi’.

‘Wanggami’, pronounced ‘Wong Ga Mi’, means ‘kangaroo’ in the Ngarrindjeri language.

‘Ruwi’, pronounced ‘Roo We’, means ‘land’ in the Ngarrindjeri language.

Mark Koolmatrie, Deputy Chair of the NAC, explained, “Wanggami is our word for kangaroo. The kangaroo is symbolic of the lands on which we live and is deeply connected to our history in South Australia.”

Amanda Westly, a Ngarrindjeri artist, shared the meaning behind the name Ruwi: “’Ruwi’ refers to the lands we call home—our waterways and sea, to which we have a deep connection. We take care of Ruwi, and in return, Ruwi provides us with food, medicine, and water.”

Tracy Croft shared: “We are truly excited to reveal the names ‘Wanggami’ and ‘Ruwi’ for our new ferries set to commence in the first half of 2025. These names beautifully reflect the deep cultural significance and connection of the Ngarrindjeri people to the lands and waters.

Mr Koolmatrie added, “Incorporating Indigenous names and working with SeaLink on this project is a testament to the importance of recognising and respecting our cultural ties to the land and sea. This collaboration is a wonderful example of how different cultures can come together to create something meaningful and lasting.”

The new ferries, ‘Wanggami’ and ‘Ruwi’, will be approximately 10 metres longer and two metres wider than the current vessels, providing around 150 metres more vehicle lane space per departure. They are also identical which means freight carriers can book passage on both vessels providing greater flexibility and options to carry goods such as grain and hay for agricultural purposes.

Tracy Croft also explained that the two new ferries are designed to offer a smoother ride, drive on and off in the same direction speeding up the loading process, and improved amenities for travellers.

“With the new ferries SeaLink can undertake more daily departures with up to 22 scheduled crossings in peak season and 14 during off-peak seasons, improving service levels to residents, freight and visitors to meet the growing demand,” she said.

“SeaLink has provided the ferry connection to Kangaroo Island for over 30 years, and our $57 million investment into constructing two new larger ferries underscores our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service to everyone travelling to and from Kangaroo Island.”

For more information about the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service, visit www.sealink.com.au/kifs.