Transportation

The MBTA is getting a giant new ferry, and a new ferry stop is set for South Boston. Here’s what to know.

“This big addition is going to allow us to really handle some of the larger ridership routes."

The Millennium, MBTA's largest ferry, a 400-passenger catamaran that is powered by four jet engines passing by the Long Wharf Boston on Thursday August 7, 2025. Matthew J Lee/The Boston Globe

By Madison Lucchesi

2 minutes to read

The MBTA has announced a giant new ferry, while the City of Boston said Tuesday a new ferry stop is coming to South Boston.

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The new ferry, named the Millenium, will be the MBTA’s largest ferry, with a 400-person capacity. 

Operating on the year-round Hingham route, “This big addition is going to allow us to really handle some of the larger ridership routes because we know right now, the popularity has overgrown our capacity,” MBTA General Manager Phil Eng said at last Thursday’s press conference. 

The Millennium made its maiden voyage sailing from the Vineyard Sound to Long Wharf with an all-female crew, according to The Boston Globe.

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The Millennium was built in 1998 and is in pristine condition. A sibling of the Aurora and Asteria ferries, MBTA crews will be familiar with its operation, and the ADA-compliant ferry is equipped with a snack bar and a bathroom, according to the Globe. 

While an official opening date has not been announced, Eng said the Millennium will begin regular service this season after an inspection at the Charlestown yard.

A new South Boston stop

The new ferry stop, meanwhile, will connect Pier 10 in the South Boston Waterfront to Fan Pier and North Station, the City of Boston announced on Tuesday.  

“This new commuter ferry stop at Pier 10 in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park builds on our administration’s efforts to give residents more options to get around safely while making significant investments that better connect our communities,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in the announcement. “Expanding water transportation will boost economic activity and also provide important commuter alternatives that can ease traffic.”

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“This new ferry stop on public land is critical to expanding public transportation options for those traveling in and out of the Seaport,” Chief of Planning Kairos Shen said in the announcement. 

The Pier 10 stop, which isn’t serviced by the MBTA, was funded through $2.5 million from the City of Boston, the Boston Planning & Development Agency, and other partners. The Seaport Transportation Management Association was awarded a grant to support the first two years of service by the Department of Transportation, according to the city. 

In May, the construction of the stop was completed. In June, the ferry began its year-round operation on weekdays during the morning and evening commutes with ride costs set at $5. 

The initiatives follow an increase in ferry ridership over the last two years, according to MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan. The MBTA successfully launched the Lynn ferry route in 2023 and bought two new ferries last year, according to the Globe.

Eng said, “Water transportation is exciting. We’re going to look at continuing how to improve water transportation services.”

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the new South Boston stop was an MBTA stop.

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