Update: 04/26/2024

We completed our first-round trip and everything went well! We transported a completely full boat of supplies and a few vehicles to the Island. We also picked up a few vehicles and a few passengers on the return trip to Charlevoix and are now headed back to Beaver Island with another full load of vehicles.

 A few extra departures have been added so we can get caught up. Check out our schedule below for the most up to date departure times. We have already started to contact customers whose departures were canceled to reschedule their vehicles. Please don’t reach out to us right away as we will be working our way thru our list of missed reservations.

As I mentioned early on, this was a large project and we had a short time frame to complete the work. It really feels great to be sailing again. We still have to continue to monitor all of the systems on the boat, but the work we completed will help ensure the Emerald Isle continues to serve the Island community and our customers into the future.

Despite the setbacks, I am so proud of all of our staff. Some days were long and stressful. Office staff, dock personal, boat crew, and their family members all pulled together. Most of the physical labor took place in the engine room of the Emerald Isle. This is a small area to fit 6-8 tired staff members, but we all made it out with most of our sanity intact.

This delay had a large impact on some of our customers, and for others it was just a slight inconvenience. We are sensitive to both. The delay could have been much longer if not for the help of some of our community members and local businesses and we want to say Thank You. Other ferry companies even reached out to offer their vessels to help move people and freight if needed, it was very appreciated.

Tim

To stay up to date on boat cancellations, delays, and schedule changes, sign up for text alerts by texting “BIBCO” to 844-661-0033.