MACKINAC ISLAND — The Mackinac Island City Council voted this afternoon to temporarily suspend Mackinac Island Ferry Company, known as Star Line, ferry operations until Oct. 31.
At a meeting Aug. 14 the board unanimously voted to approve an addendum to an agreement to officially temporarily suspend MIFC services beginning Aug. 19 through Oct. 31.
MIFC docks will be closed to ferry service. Shepler’s will serve all ferry guests.
All ticket sales will be made online or onsite at Shepler’s ticket offices. All valid pre-purchased MIFC tickets will be honored by Shepler’s for the remainder of the 2024 summer season. Guests may exchange them at Shepler’s ticket offices.
All ferry guests should use Shepler’s parking and proceed to Shepler’s docks for boarding.
Guests who prepaid for MIFC onsite parking will be allowed to park in Shepler’s lots if space is available. If space is not available, guests may drop off luggage at the Shepler’s dock, check in at the ticket office for a parking permit and will be directed to an off-site lot. Ground transportation will be provided from off-site lots to Shepler’s docks.
All MIFC web traffic will be redirected to Shepler’s website where guests can purchase tickets at the currently established Shepler’s rates. Only the current Shepler’s services, including parking and ferry tickets, will be available. MIFC valet, pirate ship, and classic ferry tickets are no longer available.
Tickets will no longer be sold through hotels and other third-party vendors. Shepler’s will honor discounted third-party tickets through August 31. After that, customers may seek refunds through the hotel or third-party vendor from which they purchased the ticket.
The Hoffmann Family of Companies announced that it is investing significant resources into the recently purchased Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company (MIFC) assets.
Through its Hoffmann Marine division, the $4 million investment will include new engines, shafts, bearings and other parts that are crucial for the safe and reliable operation of the MIFC fleet.
To have a full fleet of boats ready for next season, Hoffmann Marine—which also owns Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry— will take the MIFC boats offline on August 19.
Jenny Gezella, president of Hoffmann Marine, said repairs and upgrades will begin immediately.
“We discovered that most of the boats were unable to operate on a consistent schedule due to breakdowns and general repair needs,” Gezella said. “This led to regular delays and disruptions in schedules to and from Mackinac Island. It is impossible to keep these boats in service for the remainder of this season while holding to our high standards of customer service. We anticipate completing repairs by next spring, and we’re confident that we can return most of the boats to regular service in time for the 2025 season.”
Only three of 10 MIFC boats serving Mackinac Island from Mackinac City and St. Ignace are currently operational, and none are high-speed boats. To best serve guests, Shepler’s has increased capacity and, during peak times, has been running its boats every 15 minutes, thereby moving 1,414 people per hour.
Chris Shepler, CEO of Shepler’s, said changes are coming to address the shift in services.
“We will be adding even more capacity and hiring for all positions to accommodate the increase in guests on Shepler’s docks and boats,” Shepler said. “We have invited all MIFC employees to apply for jobs at Shepler’s, and we’ll train those hired according to Shepler’s operations, quality and customer service standards.”
According to Hoffman Marine, no MIFC employee jobs will be eliminated. All employees will have the option to remain employed through Hoffmann Marine through this transition.
The board also made clear that any other ticketing concerns including specific questions about swapping any MIFC tickets for Shepler’s tickets should be sent directly to Shepler’s.
Shepler said the City of Mackinac Island’s elected leadership has been very helpful and supportive of efforts to return to a regular service schedule.
“I’ve been in regular contact with Mayor (Margaret) Doud,” Shepler said. “She knows that there’s nothing more important to the Island than safely bringing passengers across the Straits every day and starting off their experience with a memorable boat ride. These moves will help us continue to provide the great service and experience our guests have come to expect from us. I truly appreciate the Mayor’s support and advice as well as the continued support of the City Council.”
For more information or to submit questions regarding the changes to ferry services visit www.sheplersferry.com.