Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Hope is on the horizon for commuters and the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) as the construction of the new “Green Ferry” reaches an advanced stage. The Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure recently concluded a site visit to Damen Company in the Netherlands, where the vessel is being built.

During the visit, Minister Ebrima Sillah expressed his satisfaction with the progress, noting that over 70% of the construction is now complete. He lauded Damen Company for their professionalism and efficiency, stating that the project is progressing ahead of schedule.

This development signals a significant step forward in bolstering The Gambia’s ferry services, which are a crucial link between Banjul and Barra, and vital for trade and transportation across the nation.

This positive news comes at a time when ferry services are under increased scrutiny due to growing demand and the need for reliable transportation across the Banjul-Barra crossing. Notably, the Kanilai ferry recently resumed its rotations, much to the relief of regular commuters.

After being out of service for over a year, its return on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, has already made a significant impact, reportedly slashing crossing times to as little as 25 minutes. This improvement, witnessed by reporters, is a stark contrast to previous journeys that often exceeded an hour.

Furthermore, the ferry landscape is set to expand with the anticipated arrival of a private ferry service operated by a Turkish company, Negmar Investment Cooperation. While the exact start date is yet to be confirmed, their first vessel arrived in Gambian waters in May 2024.

This new service, operating from a terminal under construction near Bond Road in Banjul and another near Fort Bullen in Barra, initially focused on vehicle transportation with a capacity of over 70 vehicles. Future plans include bringing in additional ferries capable of carrying both passengers and vehicles, potentially offering a 24-hour service.

The introduction of the new Green Ferry, along with the recent return of the Kanilai and the impending arrival of the Turkish private ferry, holds significant benefits for commuters and the GPA. Commuters can expect reduced waiting times, as more ferries in operation will alleviate the long queues and frustrating delays at the Banjul and Barra terminals. The Kanilai’s faster crossing times already demonstrate this potential.

A modern, newly built ferry like the “Green Ferry” is also likely to be more reliable and less prone to the breakdowns that have plagued the existing fleet. The possibility of a 24-hour service from the private Turkish operator would offer greater flexibility for travel, especially for those with late-night or early-morning needs. New ferries often incorporate modern designs with improved passenger comfort and safety features.

For the Gambia Ports Authority, a larger and more efficient ferry fleet can handle more crossings and transport more vehicles and passengers, leading to increased revenue. New vessels typically require less maintenance in their initial years of operation compared to aging ferries, potentially lowering operational costs.

Modern ferries can often be loaded and unloaded more quickly, improving the overall efficiency of the Banjul-Barra crossing. Moreover, investing in modern and reliable ferry services enhances the reputation of the GPA and The Gambia’s transport infrastructure.

The arrival of the “Green Ferry,” coupled with the recent improvements and the upcoming private ferry service, signifies a positive turning point for river transportation in The Gambia. These developments promise a more efficient, reliable, and convenient experience for the thousands of commuters who rely on the Banjul-Barra crossing daily, while also providing a significant boost to the Gambia Ports Authority.