Sealink has announced the names of its two new ferries for the Kangaroo Island Ferry Service, currently under construction.

They will be called Wanggami and Ruwi, which mean Kangaroo and Land in the local Ngarrindjeri language.

Tracy Croft, General Manager of Sealink SA, says the company received more than 1500 suggestions from the community in its naming competition.

“There was a lot of creativity in those entries.”

She says Sealink consulted widely about potential names and has received formal approval from the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Council (NAC), whose cultural heritage is deeply connected to Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island.

“Throughout the naming process we have worked closely with NAC and other stakeholders to acknowledge and celebrate the connection of the Ngarrindjeri people to the lands and waters in which our ferries operate.”

Mark Koolmatrie, Deputy Chair of the NAC, has welcomed the names, saying they mark a historic moment. 

Measuring 10 metres longer and two metres wider than the current vessels, Sealink says the two new identical vessels will provide more vehicle lane space and will offer a smoother ride and more capacity.

They will enter service early in 2025. For more information visit the Sealink website.