MV Carol Jean

The passenger/vehicle ferry CAROL JEAN was built in 1984 by Eastern Marine Shipyard in Panama City, Florida exclusively for Interstate Navigation Company, beginning service in June 1984. The vessel was designed by John W. Gilbert Associates, Inc., and is USCG, Subchapter “K” certified for 1124 passengers. The CAROL JEAN was originally designed to provide seasonal (spring/summer/fall) service to Block Island from Pt. Judith. She also became known as “the Island Boat” as the vessel originated and ended her daily schedule at Old Harbor, where she lays overnight through the present day. In 1984 and 1985 as the island’s transportation needs increased, the operating season of the CAROL JEAN increased to include portions of the winter months. In 2004, she returned to Eastern Shipbuilding in Panama City, FL for an extensive refit which included new propulsion engines and drivelines, new paint systems and a remodeled primary passenger cabin with a focus on passenger comfort. The vessel features (3) Cummins diesel engines for a total of 3600 HP. The vessel is 170 feet in length, 88 gross tons, and operates at a service speed of 16.5 knots. The vessel may carry 32 automobiles and utilizes a two-lane configuration for the carriage of commercial trucks and vehicles. The passenger cabins on the vessel feature more modern seating upgrades and amenities, food and beverage concessions and standard bench style seating on the exterior decks. The improved spaces and enhanced maneuvering characteristics make the CAROL JEAN a more passenger comfort-oriented vessel.