The Carol Jean, a stalwart of the Block Island Ferry fleet, holds a unique place in the history of Interstate Navigation, the Narragansett-based family company and operator. Added in the early 1980s, the Carol Jean was the first large, modern ferry to join the fleet. “At the time, the island was being serviced by a fleet of boats that were mostly former steamboats that had been converted to diesel,” says Joshua Linda, vice president at Interstate Navigation. Unlike its predecessors, the Carol Jean is a much larger vessel, capable of carrying many cars, two tractor-trailers, and up to 1,300 passengers. This marked a significant upgrade in the company’s capacity, efficiency, and offerings.
Since its debut in 1984, the Carol Jean has been the go-to boat for island residents traveling to the mainland. “She has always been stationed as the boat on Block Island,” Linda notes. “From April through October, she spends the night on the island and is the first boat to the mainland.” This schedule makes the vessel a familiar and trusted presence for locals, earning it the affectionate nickname, “the Islander boat.”
Over the past four decades, the Carol Jean has undergone significant upgrades while maintaining its essential structure. A major midlife refit in 2004 saw the refurbishment of the passenger cabin, and a substantial increase in engine power from 1,500 to 3,600 horsepower. Further
enhancements in 2019 included the installation of cleaner, EPA-compliant engines, reflecting Interstate Navigation’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. “Structurally, she’s the same boat as she was back in 1984, but the Carol Jean has evolved to keep up with the times,” Linda explains.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Carol Jean, Interstate Navigation has introduced a special edition of their World-Famous Bloody Mary cup, featuring unique artwork celebrating this milestone. Learn more at BlockIslandFerry.com
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