MV Selden III to be replaced on historic Chester-Hadlyme Ferry run

The wreck of the Aunt Polly as the MV Selden III crosses the Connecticut River in the background.

By Peter Marteka

The MV Selden III has been making trips across the Connecticut River between Chester and Hadlyme for the past 76 years. It’s time for a long rest.

The state will replace the vessel after securing $8 million in funding, according to Gov. Ned Lamont. The state Department of Transportation is being awarded $6.4 million in funding from the Federal Transit Administration with an additional $1.6 million in state funding the Lamont administration is releasing for the project.

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry is one of the oldest continuously operating ferry crossings in the United States. Established in 1769 as Warner’s Ferry, the crossing is a designated Connecticut State Historic Landmark and continues to provide an important connection across the Connecticut River.

“Connecticut is the proud home of two of the oldest continuously operating ferries in the United States,” Governor Lamont said, noting the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury ferry has been operating since 1655, the oldest continuously operating ferry crossing in the United States.

“The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry once was used to transport supplies across the river during the Revolutionary War, and today it serves as a tourist attraction that draws in visitors to the region. This federal award, combined with our state funding, is going to ensure that this historic ferry can continue operating for many more years to come.”

By replacing the aging MV Selden III, the new vessel will help prevent service disruptions and continue to provide an essential emergency transportation option for regional communities. The new vessel will feature diesel hybrid propulsion, which will improve the ferry’s reliability and efficiency by reducing fuel consumption and emissions. It will also maintain full ADA accessibility and offer passengers a more comfortable experience.

“The MV Selden III has served us well for many years, and we are excited to receive federal support for a new vessel that will allow CTDOT to serve passengers for generations to come and preserve one of America’s oldest continuously operating ferry crossings,” Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “We thank the Federal Transit Administration, Governor Lamont, and our federal delegation for helping secure these critical investments for Connecticut and the communities that rely on this ferry every day.”

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry supports travel to destinations including Gillette Castle State Park, Goodspeed Musicals, area restaurants and businesses, and state parks and forests throughout the region. It also provides an important connection for bicyclists using the Essex Connecticut River Double Cross bike trail.

“Thanks to $6.4 million in federal funding, the iconic Chester-Hadlyme Ferry is getting an upgrade,” U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “Tens of thousands of people rely on this ferry each year to safely cross the Connecticut River and I’ve heard firsthand from passengers about the important role it plays in local commerce and tourism. I will keep fighting for federal resources to support Connecticut’s infrastructure projects.”

The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry carried more than 60,600 passengers and 27,900 vehicles in 2025 and has already carried more than 34,600 passengers and 15,800 vehicles in 2026, underscoring the continued demand for this historic Connecticut River crossing.

The FTA is awarding approximately $665 million in competitive grants to modernize ferry infrastructure and expand ferry service across the United States. The federal agency selected 23 projects in 14 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FTA’s ferry grant programs support projects that modernize ferry infrastructure, launch new ferry routes, and fund new vessels to provide communities with reliable transportation connections.

“The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry is a piece of history and a vital part of our community at once, providing transportation for business and leisure for tens of thousands of riders each year,” State Sen. Norm Needleman (D-Essex) said. “It’s an important part of our local region and needs this overdue replacement. I’m excited to see this work underway to make sure this important resource remains available for decades to come.”