Water Transit Strategic Plan

What is the Water Transit Strategic Plan?

The Water Transit Strategic Plan is Baltimore’s updated vision for the future of maritime activities in our city. Building on the 2015 plan, this new strategy looks ahead over the next decade to guide investments in water transit, ensure proper maintenance of our maritime infrastructure, and support the continued operation of the Harbormaster Office.

Why is this project important?

Baltimore’s harbor is one of our city’s greatest assets. Water transit offers a unique opportunity to move people efficiently, reduce roadway congestion, and provide residents and visitors with safe and reliable transportation options. By strengthening our maritime infrastructure, we are also supporting economic growth, environmental sustainability, and long-term resilience for waterfront communities.

What’s next?

The draft plan is being finalized and will be reviewed by City leadership before moving forward into implementation. Once approved, the Strategic Plan will serve as the guiding document for the next decade of water transit improvements and maritime services in Baltimore.

Does the Water Transit Strategic Plan consider new Harbor Connector ferry landing locations at sites such as Fells Point and Harborplace?

The Water Transit Strategic Plan considers the possibility of adding new landings at various locations throughout the Baltimore Harbor. Among the new locations considered are Harborplace, Fells Point, Riverside, Harbor Point, Baltimore Peninsula and Westport.

Is Baltimore City working with the Chesapeake Bay Passenger Ferry Feasibility Consortium?

Baltimore City DOT has had preliminary conversations with representatives from Anne Arundel County regarding this project, and we continue to have discussions about Baltimore City’s role as the project evolves.

Will the Harbor Connector ever operate on weekends?

The Water Transit Strategic Plan considers the possibility of providing Harbor Connector service on weekends. As a pilot project, Baltimore City DOT, in collaboration with the Waterfront Partnership and Baltimore Development Corporation, are planning to run weekend service on Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14.

Are there plans to expand the Harbor Connector beyond the Northwest Branch of the Patapsco to areas such as Baltimore Peninsula, Westport or Cherry Hill?

The Water Transit Strategic Plan considers ways that Baltimore’s Harbor Connector could be expanded to areas within the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River. Considerations for this type of service include the need for dredging within the Middle Branch to areas such as Cherry Hill or Westport. Choppier water conditions past Ft. McHenry would likely mean service operating in the water past Ft. McHenry would require a heartier ferry boat than what the Harbor Connector fleet currently has. Future expansions would be dependent on funding and additional study.