DOTD Announces Cameron Ferry Service Privatization Agreement Finalized
Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 2:36:36 PM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Transportation Authority on Thursday approved the service contract negotiated by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and LabMar Ferry Services for the privatization of the operations and maintenance of the Cameron Ferry service.
Under the privatization agreement, the New Orleans-based LabMar Ferry Services will assume control from DOTD of the entire ferry service, including existing and new ferry boats, along with terminals. There is a planned 60-day transition process where DOTD will work with LabMar to facilitate a smooth transfer of operations.
“The people of Cameron Parish have waited long enough. They are finally getting a ferry system they can rely on. Bringing in a private company like LabMar, with extensive maritime experience, will create a more reliable and efficient system for the people and businesses who depend on this ferry every day. This is about getting government out of the way, and delivering on the services Cameron Parish deserves,” said Governor Jeff Landry.
DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet said moving the Cameron Ferry service to a private passenger vessel company with experience in the maritime industry will help ensure reliable service across the Calcasieu Ship Channel. LabMar is committed to retaining DOTD employees on staff, with additional staffing at other ferries available for assistance.
“DOTD understands the importance of the Cameron Ferry as a critical transport point for Cameron Parish and Southwest Louisiana,” Ledet said. “Handing over control of the ferry to an experienced company like LabMar will provide those who use and rely on the ferry daily with peace of mind that it will operate as intended.”
“For over 60 years, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has manned and operated the Cameron Ferry crossing. The goods, services and people who have traversed this area in that time frame are innumerable,” said State Rep. and LTA Chairman Ryan Bourriaque.
“On behalf of the residents, visitors and business owners of Cameron Parish, I want to thank every DOTD staff member who has allowed us to utilize the Cameron Ferry crossing for the past 60 years. These individuals were able to get more out of less than most state agencies, as it relates to this transportation infrastructure. We thank them for their dedication, blood, sweat and tears. By partnering with LabMar, we hope to replicate similar ferry privatization programs that have been implemented in other parts of the state. Coupled with the delivery of the new Holly Beach ferry, we are hopeful that this effort results in increased reliability for our region.”
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