The Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau said they’re confident about the city council’s decision to suspend Star Line ferry service to the island for the rest of the season.
The council accepted a proposal Wednesday from Hoffman Marine, which owns both Star Line and Shepler’s Ferry, to suspend service while they repair and upgrade the Star Line fleet. That leaves Shepler’s as the only transport provider to and from the island.
“Reliable, safe ferry service continues through the end of the year. Is it just one company? Yes. But is that one company able to do it and do it in a really fine fashion? Absolutely. They have a strong fleet, they have great employees and they know how to run a reliable service,” said Tim Hygh, executive director of Mackinac Island Tourism.
Hoffman Marine said Shepler’s will run ferries from their docks in both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City and will honor any pre-purchased Star Line tickets for the rest of the 2024 season.
They also said they’ve investing $4 million to upgrade Star Line boats and docks with the hope of running service in 2025.