Ferries are the unsung workhorses of global shipping, connecting communities, economies, and supply chains. But as the industry grapples with decarbonization, electrification, and safety challenges, one organization is steering the course: Interferry. With nearly 290 members worldwide, Interferry is more than a trade association—it’s a force for rationalizing regulation, accelerating innovation, and ensuring ferry operations remain viable, sustainable, and safe.
At the helm is Mike Corrigan, a seasoned maritime executive who has spent years strengthening Interferry’s voice in global forums. Under his leadership, the organization has become a bridge between policymakers and operators, ensuring that ferry-specific realities aren’t overlooked in the rush toward standardization.
The stakes are high. Ferries operate in a regulatory minefield, where EU directives and IMO rules often clash. “There’s a real risk of double taxation and operational conflicts,” Corrigan warns. Unlike cargo vessels that sail long distances, ferries make multiple short trips daily, with a unique emissions profile. Interferry’s role is to ensure that regulations recognize this difference. “You can’t put a square peg in a round hole when it comes to regulation,” Corrigan says. “Our job is to make sure policymakers understand that.”
Electrification is another battleground. Ferries have long been at the forefront of decarbonization, with operators from Scandinavia to San Francisco proving the potential of battery-powered vessels. The 130-meter all-electric ferry built by Incat for South America’s Buquebus is a case in point—a 40+ megawatt behemoth capable of carrying passengers and vehicles across a two-hour route. “We’ve seen hybrids before, but this is the first pure battery ship of its scale,” Corrigan notes. “It shows what’s possible.”
Yet, electrification isn’t without its hurdles. Grid capacity is the bottleneck. “We need municipalities, utilities, and regulators to step up and help ferry operators access the power we need,” Corrigan emphasizes. Without infrastructure investment, even the most advanced vessels will struggle to operate efficiently.
Safety remains a top priority, particularly in developing regions where ferries provide lifeline services under challenging conditions. Interferry’s FERRYSafe initiative is tackling this head-on, launching training and safety programs in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Philippines. “We’ve been working for nearly two years on the ground, partnering with local operators in Lagos and Southeast Asia,” Corrigan says. “Our mission is to raise safety standards globally, and that work is every bit as important as decarbonization.”
Technology is also reshaping the industry. From digitalization to AI-driven tools, ferries are becoming smarter and more efficient. “We know AI is going to change things dramatically, but how is still an open question,” Corrigan admits. “Some of our members see huge benefits in customer engagement, others raise concerns about over-automation. The truth is, it’s still unfolding.”
The industry’s pulse will be on full display at Interferry’s 49th annual conference in Sorrento, Italy, this October. Hosted by the Grimaldi Group, the event promises a blend of high-level networking, technical insight, and cultural immersion. Keynotes from CLIA CEO Bud Darr and Isabelle Ryckbost of the European Seaport Organization will set the tone, while panels featuring global ferry leaders will delve into the industry’s most pressing issues. Case studies from Canadian, Greek, and Philippine operators will highlight the vital role ferries play in connecting communities, and a technical tour of the Port of Naples will offer a firsthand look at passenger and cargo ferry operations.
Evening events will showcase the best of southern Italy’s hospitality, reinforcing Interferry’s reputation as both a professional and family-like gathering. “This year we’re sold out,” Corrigan notes proudly. “It’s a record-breaking conference in many ways, and it shows just how far the ferry industry has come in global relevance.”
For those already planning beyond Sorrento, Corrigan urges members and stakeholders to mark their calendars for Bangkok in 2026—Interferry’s 50th anniversary conference. “If there’s one global ferry conference you should attend, that’s the one,” he says. “Fifty years is a milestone worth celebrating, and it’ll be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect with the entire industry.”
As the ferry sector navigates regulatory hurdles, electrification challenges, and safety concerns, Interferry remains a steadfast advocate. The organization’s work ensures that ferry operations remain viable, sustainable, and safe, paving the way for a more connected and resilient future.