MV Concordia BAy

MV Concordia Bay is a 45.5m Landing Craft built at Sarawak Slipways in Miri, Malaysia in 2006. Named after a bay on the north coast of East Falkland she is owned by Workboat Services Ltd and  flagged in the Falkland Islands as a passenger/cargo vessel. She carries a small aluminium workboat, the Concordia Baby, that assists with cargo landing/loading at some more remote locations.

The Concordia Bay has operated in two roles in the Islands since July 2008 : providing a passenger and roro vehicle ferry service between East and West Falkland, and as a cargo vessel delivering cargo to and moving livestock from the outer islands. It is a lifeline for the Falklands far flung rural communities and also used extensively for tourism and social purposes by residents and visitors alike, whilst also facilitating development and construction on West Falkland and the outer island by regularly carrying an array of HGVs and plant.

The vessel can carry up to 30 passengers and around 13 domestic vehicles when operating in ferry mode. However our crew of 8 have a diverse work schedule and can go from lashing down vehicles in the morning in preparation for the 90 minute ferry crossing between New Haven and Port Howard to loading and unloading sheep and cattle in the afternoon.

The ferry service operates across Falkland Sound between New Haven on East Falkland (just 9 miles beyond Goose Green on the road network) and Port Howard on West Falkland.

Although there is no fixed schedule the aim is to provide a more frequent service around school holidays, public events, and throughout the summer while still permitting us to meet the 6 weekly cargo schedule for the outer islands in the south-east and north/north-west of the Falklands. There are generally ferry crossings 5 days a week through the summer with up to 3 round trips a day. Through the winter there are crossings up to 6 days a week. The schedule can be found at our Live Passenger Crossings Schedule Calendar and should be checked regularly as additional crossings are added as demand necessitates.

The crossing takes approximately 90 minutes during which passengers must vacate their vehicles, and have access to the passenger lounge which offers free wifi, tea and coffee, and a WC. There is also access to the rear deck for passengers who prefer to get some fresh air ... it is not uncommon to see dolphins and whales on the crossing so passengers are recommended to have their cameras at the ready!

Passengers are required to be at the ferry terminus ready to board at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Dogs and cats are permitted on board the ferry but must remain in the vehicle.