Hybrid Green Gambian Ferries
Gambia Launches a New Eco-Friendly Hybrid Ferry Service for Residents
Kanesa D — March 26, 2026
Gambian President Adama Barrow has inaugurated Barra, the country’s first hybrid ferry, on the Banjul-Barra route, a key link to West African transport networks.
Built in the Netherlands, the vessel combines fuel generators with battery-assisted solar technology to reduce emissions and can carry 1,000 passengers and over 50 vehicles. President Barrow called the launch a milestone for Gambian maritime transport, emphasizing sustainable operations, maintenance, and customer service.
Barra is set to enter service soon, while the existing fleet undergoes routine maintenance. Funded through a grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the ferry is intended to improve efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability on the Banjul–Barra route.
The inauguration drew thousands, including government officials, and featured a performance by renowned kora musician Jaliba Kuyateh.
