As fans of ferry travel you are probably well aware that there is more than one type of ferry boat. Infact, there are various distnct styles of ferries  in operation across the world. Of course, each boat is each adapted to its own particular route, which is dependendent on various factors including:

• The length of travel required
• Capacity of passengers or vehcles needed on any given route
• Any restrictions on rate of travel (speed, direction)
• Environmental conditions that are likely to be met (rough seas etc)

The principal types of boats that are in operation include:

• Docking ferry – Traditional style ferries that lock directly into ports allowing vehicles to exit quickly and easily

A docking ferry coming into port

• Roll on, Roll off Ferries (Ro-Ro) – Conventional ferry used on many of the major routes

A Ro Ro in action - easy access

• The Hydrofoil – Capable of cruising at high speeds

High speed hydrofoil - Norway

• Catamaran - Gracefully designed boats -  Catamarans that can sail at very high speeds

A sleek and rapid Catamaran in port

• Cable ferries – Pulled by cables across short distances between shores

A small cable ferry pulling from shore to shore

Hopefully that was some use to you. If anyone has any fantastic ferry images of their own don’t hesitate to point us in their direction!