ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (VINnews) — Seastreak Ferries and Atlantic City developer interests are in early discussions about a high-speed passenger ferry that could connect lower Manhattan with the resort city as soon as Memorial Day 2027, officials said.​

Seastreak President James D. Barker described the talks as preliminary. “We are in the very early stages of this. This isn’t a sure thing. We’re really just exploring the idea,” Barker told NJ.com. A working group involving the Highlands-based ferry operator and developer Tommy Carr has been meeting roughly every other week.​

One option under review would depart from the Battery in lower Manhattan and arrive at Farley State Marina near the Golden Nugget casino. From there, passengers would be steps from that property and a short walk or potential shuttle ride from other Boardwalk casinos. Travel time is estimated at roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes — competitive with the typical three-hour drive from Manhattan that includes the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway.​

A round-trip fare in the range of $145 has been discussed, according to reports. Seastreak could initially deploy two of its largest vessels, the 600-passenger Commodore and Courageous, both high-speed catamarans already used on limited summer runs to Martha’s Vineyard. Those boats have operated in ocean conditions, though Barker noted that a purpose-built ocean-going vessel with wave-piercing technology could be considered later if demand materializes.​

Scheduling remains unresolved. Stakeholders have floated both weekend-focused service and midweek options. Availability of the vessels, which also serve other seasonal routes, is among the factors still being evaluated. A trial program could begin next summer if remaining operational and community issues are addressed.​

The concept has drawn interest from Atlantic City officials and casino stakeholders. A Sept. 21 meeting included Mayor Marty Smalls, city officials, Carr’s DEEM Enterprises and others, according to local reports. The ferry discussion also ties into broader development plans for the former Bader Field site.​

Seastreak already operates frequent service between New York City and Atlantic Highlands, N.J. A separate proposal for trial service to Point Pleasant Beach was rejected by that town’s council earlier this year.​

Barker emphasized that excitement among local groups does not yet equal a commitment. “It’s something that we’re working through. It’s become public because there are a lot of people who are excited about it, who want this to happen, but we’re in very, very early stages,” he said.​

(Reporting based on publicly available statements and published accounts from Seastreak, local officials and regional media.)