A new hybrid ‘green’ ferry has been commissioned in The Gambia as part of a sustainable transport project funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB)
Designed with state-of-the-art hybrid technology, the newly ferry, named the Barra Ferry, is capable of carrying 1,000 passengers and over 50 vehicles across the River Gambia.
It represents a milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise river transport and is expected to improve connectivity between the country’s North and South Banks, cut travel delays and enhance the safety and reliability of ferry services relied upon daily by thousands of Gambians.
The new vessel forms part of the Banjul Port Expansion Project, a US$20.56mn scheme financed through the AfDB’s concessional window, the African Development Fund (ADF).
The commissioning ceremony, held in Barra, was presided over by Gambian President Adama Barrow, who underscored the strategic significance of transport infrastructure to his nation’s development.
“The socioeconomic wellbeing of The Gambia is closely linked to the strength of its domestic production base and its participation in regional and international trade,” he said.
“For this reason, the efficiency of our major trade gateways, such as the seaports, ferry services, airport, and telecommunications systems, remains fundamental to sustained economic growth and competitiveness.”
The River Gambia, stretching about 360 kilometres inland, divides the country into two, making reliable ferry services linking the North and South Banks indispensable.
For decades, the country’s ferry services have operated under intense constraints, amid growing demand from increasing vehicular traffic, freight movement and passenger volumes.
The new ferry’s energy-efficient design, cleaner propulsion systems and improved safety are expected to reduce emissions, lower operational costs and ensure safer and more reliable transport services.
The commissioning of the new ferry also underscores the AfDB’s strategic focus on promoting low-carbon transport and climate-resilient infrastructure, in line with development priorities.
“This ferry represents a transformative innovation in sustainable maritime transport,” added Lamin G. Barrow, director general for West Africa at the AfDB.
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New green hybrid ferry commissioned on River Gambia (Image source: AfDB)
