Wicomico County, MD – The Wicomico County Upper Ferry has been out of service since June 27, 2025, following the conclusion of its service day due to mechanical challenges impacting the vessel’s operation. These mechanical challenges posed a safety concern, and out of an abundance of caution, the County suspended service immediately.
In addition to addressing these safety-related repairs, the ferry will also undergo its scheduled biennial overhaul during this downtime. This comprehensive service is a necessary part of maintaining the safety, reliability, and long-term operation of the vessel.
While the County is currently advertising for bids to select a qualified boatyard shop to complete the overhaul, officials are also exploring potential grant opportunities to help offset the County’s costs for this planned work.
“Resident safety is always our top priority,” said Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano. “The Upper Ferry has been a vital connection for our community for generations, and we are committed to ensuring the vessel remains safe, efficient, and dependable for residents and visitors. Our team is working diligently to complete the required repairs and overhaul as quickly as possible while also seeking ways to reduce the financial burden to our taxpayers.”
The County looks forward to returning the Upper Ferry to its regular service schedule once the overhaul is complete. Updates regarding the progress and anticipated reopening date will be shared with the public as they become available.
Seems to be out of service a lot. Did the Capt. wreck it again?
So what’s new?. That ferry is out of commission way more than it’s up and running. White Haven ferry isn’t much better but not as bad as Upper Ferry!
lets think about this for a minute, we were able to can land a man on the moon 50+ years ago with little more then slide rules. here we have a barge on a cable with a motor and pulley system attached to a cable and this inept county can’t keep it up and running for more then a couple weeks at a time. was told it’s because work is always sourced to lowest bidder. I’m betting the constant repairs and downtime cost more over the long run then just replacing the motor and pulley! this is typical of the ineptness of our local county government! so who’s being held accountable for this debacle?