Boston MBTA Adds 400-Passenger Ferry to Harbor Fleet

MBTA deploys 400-passenger Millennium catamaran on Hingham route in August 2025

MBTA Adds 400-Passenger Ferry to Hingham Route

Boston's MBTA has added the Millennium, a 400-passenger catamaran, to its harbor fleet as the system's largest ferry. Transit officials said the vessel began serving the Hingham route in August, though a specific start date wasn't provided. The addition aims to increase capacity for South Shore commuters traveling to downtown Boston, officials said.

Expanding Harbor Transit Capacity

The Millennium represents a significant expansion of the MBTA's waterborne transit options, according to the transit agency. The Hingham route is one of the most heavily-used ferry connections in the system, serving South Shore residents commuting to Boston. Officials said the larger vessel will help accommodate growing demand on the route. The MBTA hasn't disclosed the cost of acquiring the Millennium or provided current ridership figures for the Hingham route.

Modern Catamaran Design

The 400-passenger capacity makes the Millennium the largest vessel in the MBTA's harbor fleet, officials confirmed. The catamaran design provides stability and passenger comfort for the harbor crossing between Hingham and Boston. Transit officials said the vessel will operate daily service on the route. Specific technical specifications about the vessel's manufacturer, build year, and previous service history weren't included in available information.

Service Timeline and Implementation

The MBTA announced the Millennium addition on August 7, 2025, with service beginning around that time. Officials didn't provide details about how long the vessel acquisition process took or when the ferry was delivered to the system. The agency typically integrates new vessels into service after crew training and safety certifications are completed, though officials haven't said whether that process occurred for the Millennium.

Impact on Harbor Commuters

South Shore riders traveling between Hingham and Boston will benefit from the increased capacity, particularly during peak commuting hours. Officials said the larger vessel should help ease crowding on the popular route. The MBTA didn't provide projections for how many additional riders the Millennium might accommodate. Riders can check Moovit for real-time ferry schedules and service updates on the Hingham route.