New ‘Green Ferry’ Promises Safer, More Efficient Crossings Between Banjul and Barra

By Fatou Sillah

The managing director of the Gambia Ports Authority, Ousman Jobarteh, said a newly inaugurated ferry equipped with hybrid energy systems and advanced navigation technology is expected to significantly improve safety and efficiency on the busy Banjul-Barra crossing.

In an interview with West Coast Radio, Mr. Jobarteh described the vessel, known as the Green Ferry Barra, as a modern addition to the country’s maritime transport system, designed to address longstanding challenges at one of The Gambia’s most vital transit routes.

“We expect more reliable and safer services around these very important Banjul and Barra crossing points,” he said, calling the ferry’s safety features its “main attraction.”

The ferry integrates conventional diesel engines with solar-powered battery systems, a combination Mr. Jobarteh said reduces environmental impact while maintaining operational reliability. The hybrid design, he noted, is central to its designation as a “green” vessel.

“It has a combination of power generation using traditional diesel engines as well as solar-powered battery systems to provide thrust,” he said.

Mr. Jobarteh also highlighted the ferry’s advanced navigation capabilities, including underwater cameras intended to improve hazard detection in challenging waters near Barra.

“Now this new ferry has underwater cameras that will be able to detect ahead even where there are other obstacles like rocks around the Barra settlement to ensure navigational safety,” he said.

In addition to technological upgrades, the ferry introduces changes aimed at improving passenger management. The vessel’s layout separates pedestrian and vehicle movement, allowing passengers to embark and access waiting areas without crossing vehicle lanes—a feature officials say is intended to reduce congestion and improve overall safety.

The Banjul-Barra route is a critical link between the capital and the north bank of the country, carrying thousands of passengers and vehicles daily. Officials say the introduction of the Green Ferry Barra marks a step toward modernizing ferry services and meeting growing demand while prioritizing safety and sustainability.