Atlantic City to NYC Ferry Could Launch Next Year Under New Proposal

_{Atlantic City's gaming industry could get a boost from a new ferry service connecting the city to New York City. (Photo: Mahmoud Masad / Alamy)}

A $4 billion plan to transform the former Bader Field airport could lead to the creation of a ferry line taking passengers from New York City to Atlantic City, according to one attendee at a meeting held at Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr.’s office on Monday.

The development, being proposed by DEEM Enterprises, would create a split residential-commercial complex known as the Intercoastal Motor Car & Yacht Club.

Seastreak Says Ferries Could Run by Summer 2027

The project would be designed with car enthusiasts in mind, featuring storage for upscale vehicles and a 2.4-mile track to drive them. It also features residential units priced at up to $25 million.

The upscale development has attracted interest from several other companies, including Seastreak. The ferry company already operates several lines between New York City and shore points in North Jersey.

According to Seastreak President James Barker, his company could expand to bring visitors to Atlantic City – and could do it soon.

“That’s something we could do quickly,” Barker said during the meeting.“We have boats that could run on the weekends that could be available as soon as next summer. We could run a pilot program…there’s endless possibilities for what you could design, build and operate here. There’s a lot of potential here, and we’re interested in learning more.”

According to Barker, a round-trip ferry ticket between New York City and Atlantic City could cost around $149, with a trip taking a little under three hours. Ships would dock at the Frank S. Farley State Marina, which is located at the Golden Nugget.

Convenient Transportation Would Give Atlantic City Casinos a Leg Up

That’s not the only transportation company that offered its services to the development. Tradewind Aviation said its fleet of 40 small jets could operate charter and scheduled service to and from Atlantic City from locations such as Washington, D.C., and Boston.

Options like these would be welcomed by the gaming industry in Atlantic City. The nine casino resorts in the city are already facing pressure from increased regional competition and the rise of online gambling. Resorts World New York City has added a competitor, with two more to come in the city by 2030, and there have been efforts – so far unsuccessful – to add casino gaming to casinos in North Jersey as well.

DEEM Enterprises and Atlantic City officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Intercoastal Motor Car & Yacht Club on March 23, 2023. New Jersey officials will have the final say over whether the development can go forward, however, and there have been questions from lawmakers over whether the DEEM Enterprises proposal offers enough value to locals to favor it over other potential developers.

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