The MV Governor is a double‑ended passenger ferry that operates in the U.S. state of Massachusetts, primarily on routes serving Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket under the ownership of the Steamship Authority. Built in 1954 in Oakland, California (yard number 267527), the vessel has a length of 242 ft (74 m), a beam of 65 ft (19.9 m), and a draft of 12 ft 9 in (3.9 m). She is powered by two diesel‑electric propulsion systems delivering a total of 1,200 hp, allowing a service speed of approximately 13 knots (24 km/h). The ferry can accommodate up to 350 passengers and 59 vehicles (including a limited number of commercial vehicles).
Historical service
- 1954–1970 – MV Crown City: The vessel entered service with the San Diego and Coronado Ferry Company, operating the San Diego–Coronado route in California.
- 1970–1982 – MV Kulshan: After the construction of the San Diego‑Coronado Bridge rendered the original route obsolete, the ship was sold to Washington State Ferries and renamed Kulshan. She served on the Clinton–Mukilteo route in Puget Sound.
- 1982–1997 – United States Coast Guard: The United States Coast Guard acquired the ferry, renamed her Governor, and used her to shuttle personnel and vehicles between Lower Manhattan and Governors Island in New York Harbor.
- 1998–present – Steamship Authority: Following the closure of the Coast Guard base on Governors Island, the Steamship Authority purchased the vessel in 1998. Since then, the MV Governor has operated on Massachusetts ferry routes, becoming the widest and second‑longest ship in the Authority’s fleet.
Design and specifications
- Tonnage: 678 gross tons.
- Propulsion: Diesel‑electric system with two Caterpillar diesel engines driving electric motors.
- Capacity: 350 passengers; 59 vehicles (maximum 24 commercial).
- Identification: IMO 8835308; MMSI 367345940; Callsign WCY4957.
Incidents
In October 2007, the MV Governor was involved in a minor collision with the MV Island Home while beginning a hazardous cargo trip to Martha’s Vineyard. No passengers were injured; both vessels sustained only superficial damage and returned to service after inspection.
The MV Governor remains in active service, providing essential ferry connections for residents and visitors of the Cape Cod region and the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
