Ocracoke Express ferry resumes Tuesday after steering repairs

June 17, 2024 | Local News | By: Sam Walker

A mechanical issue with the state-owned Ocracoke Express passenger ferry has been repaired at the state shipyard in Manns Harbor, and plans are for service to resume on Tuesday.

The catamaran-style vessel, which is now in its sixth season, transports passengers via a 70-minute trip between Hatteras Village and Silver Lake Harbor in Ocracoke Village.

It was created to alleviate summertime congestion on the popular Hatteras-Ocracoke vehicle ferry route.

A free tram operated by Hyde County is available to carry visitors around the village to shops, restaurants, accommodations, and attractions, including Ocracoke’s seasonally lifeguarded beach.

“There was an issue with the steering mechanism that required us to bring it into the shipyard for maintenance and repair,” said NCDOT spokesperson Tim Hass in an email Monday.

“We ran sea trials here today and it should be back at the Hatteras Terminal later this afternoon,” Hass said.

The Ocracoke Express operates on the following schedule through Sept. 9.

Tuesdays through Fridays

From Ocracoke Village: 9:45 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
From Hatteras Village: 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

Saturdays through Mondays

From Ocracoke Village: 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
From Hatteras Village: 9:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m

One-way fares are $7.50, with an additional $1 charge for bicycles. Children three and under who can share a seat with an adult can ride for free.

Originally scheduled to be completed in 2018, the construction of the Ocracoke passenger ferry encountered multiple delays, and the NCDOT leased a vessel for its first three seasons of operation, beginning in 2019.

The vessel owned by the state and launched in 2022 is a 100-passenger, catamaran-style ferry with 96 interior seats, an upper deck with 26 additional seats, two wheelchair tie-downs, 16 bicycle racks, wireless internet access, and a concession area.