What are ferry companies?
Rachel Davis
Updated on January 13, 2026
Popular ferry companies
- P&O Ferries.
- Brittany Ferries.
- Stena Line.
- Condor Ferries.
- DFDS Seaways.
- Irish Ferries.
- Corsica Ferries.
- Trasmediterranea.
What is the purpose of a ferry?
A ferry is a vessel used to transport passengers and/or vehicles across a body of water on a regular, frequent basis.
Is a ferry a ship or a boat?
A ferry (or ferryboat) is a boat or ship (a merchant vessel) used to carry (or ferry) primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water.
How does a car ferry work?
This type of ferry allows vehicles to load from the “side”. The vehicle platform can be turned. When loading, the platform is turned sideways to allow sideways loading of vehicles. Then the platform is turned back, in line with the vessel, and the journey across water is made.
What is the biggest ferry in the world?
Stena Hollandica
Stena Hollandica is the world’s biggest ferry in the world and operates under the Swedish, Stena Line. The ship was launched on 16th May 2010 and in one year of its launching, has become a very popular retreat for tourists. The ship was built in the Nordic yards in Germany.
Why is a ferry called a ferry?
ferry (v.) ferry (n.) early 15c., “a passage over a river,” from the verb or from Old Norse ferju-, in compounds, “passage across water,” ultimately from the same Germanic root as ferry (v.). Meaning “place where boats pass over a body of water” is from mid-15c.
Why is it called a ferry?
Ferry on the River Mersey, Eng. Perhaps the most prominent early use of the term appears in Greek mythology, where Charon the ferryman carried the souls of the dead across the River Styx. The term is frequently used in combination with other words, as in the expressions train ferry, car ferry, and channel ferry.
What is a ferry driver called?
If you’re the boat owner and are driving the boat, it would be appropriate to be called captain, but other common names include skipper, pilot, sea captain, commander, or helmsman.
Can I stay in my car on a ferry?
Can you stay in car on ferry? If you are wondering can you stay in your vehicle on a ferry the answer in most cases is no. Once the vessel starts with crossing, you will not be allowed onto the car parking deck as most of the large car ferries for safety reasons, do not allow passengers to stay in their cars.
What is the largest ferry in the world?
How many ferry companies do direct ferries work with?
We work with over 235 ferry companies! We work with over 328 ferry companies! Direct Ferries can help you find the cheapest ferry tickets at the best price for you, no matter what ferry crossing you are looking for.
Which is the best Ferry Company in Africa?
Africa. 1 Algerie Ferries /ENTMV ( Algeria – Spain, France) 2 Comarit ( Morocco – Spain, France, Italy) 3 Comanav ( Morocco – Spain, France) 4 Cotunav ( Tunisia – France) 5 El Salam Maritime ( Egypt – Saudi Arabia) 6 P&O ( Angola – Canada) 7 SF ( Senegal – Canada)
Which is the best website to book A ferry?
Direct Ferries UK is an award winning website and has been granted Gold Trusted Merchant status for our fantastic customer service by online reviews platform Feefo. We aim to make your experience booking with us as smooth sailing as possible and will continue to do so. So book a ferry with us today.
How can I find out the price of a ferry?
With a choice of over 3000 ferry connections and more than 700 ports worldwide, you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for with Direct Ferries. Compare prices, times and shipping companies for your ferry using our price search. Find ports, routes and lots of useful information to help you plan your trip.