DOTD celebrates the dedication of the M/V Holly Beach ferryboat for the Cameron crossing
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 3:42:17 PM
Cameron – DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet joined state and local officials today to celebrate the dedication of the Holly Beach ferryboat. This marks the completion of the first of two new ferry boats for the Cameron crossing in Cameron Parish.
Under this $49.7 million project, the two vessels – Holly Beach and Cameron – will replace the Cameron II, which has been in service since it was built in 1964. Each boat will measure 190 feet, by 50 feet, by 13 feet.
Putting these new boats in service will ensure uninterrupted loading and unloading of large commercial vehicles across the Calcasieu Ship Channel. If the Cameron II – the current vessel in service – is out of service for repairs or required dry docking, a temporary side-loading ferry is used. Because that vessel cannot accommodate trucks longer than 50 feet, those trucks are forced to detour 100 miles – or more than two hours – around the Calcasieu Ship Channel.
These new ferries will also ensure safe evacuations from hurricanes or other weather-related emergencies.
“Completing the first of two new ferryboats for the Cameron Crossing marks a major milestone for this project,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “We’re replacing an aging ferry that has been in service since the 1960s. Our administration is dedicated to modernizing Louisiana’s infrastructure and attracting economic development through projects like this one.”
“Having a new and reliable ferry service across the Calcasieu Ship Channel is long overdue for the people who live and work in Cameron Parish,” said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. “Residents and commercial traffic rely on the ferry performing as intended, and these new ferry boats will deliver on that promise.”
“The impact of the Cameron Ferry project simply cannot be overstated because of just how far its impact is felt,” said Rep. Ryan Bourriaque. “The people who live and work in Cameron Parish have waited decades for this to become a reality. This upgrade isn’t just about making the ferry more reliable and efficient; it’s about providing Cameron with opportunities to expand its economic and tourism opportunities. It’s a much-deserved win for a parish that has endured plenty of hardships over the last few years.”
The project’s contractor is the Houma, Louisiana-based Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors. The second vessel, Cameron, is expected to be completed in late November.
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