Ferry Charter and Lease: RoPax, RoRo and Passenger Ferries

RoPax, RoRo, cruise and high-speed ferries for drydock cover, seasonal capacity, new routes and emergency replacement, listed by stock number

QPS Marine Ships is an independent, licensed and bonded shipbroking firm. We arrange the charter, sale and purchase of RoPax, RoRo, passenger and high-speed ferries worldwide, acting for ferry operators, owners, investors, governments and port authorities. Some ferries available for charter are off-market, and we share their details with qualified charterers after an NDA.

Ferry charters are usually driven by a deadline. A ship is going into drydock, a season is starting, a tender has been won, or a vessel has broken down. The market for suitable tonnage can be thin, and a ferry that looks right on paper may not fit your linkspan. This page covers why operators charter, the specs that decide whether a ferry will work, the main charter structures, and the ferries we currently have for charter.

Ferries currently available for charter

The type of charter (bareboat or time charter) and the charter period are open to negotiation with each shipowner. Charter rates are quoted on request.

Why operators charter ferries

Cover for drydock and refit

Every ferry has to go to drydock for surveys and maintenance. On a lifeline or busy freight route, the service usually has to continue. A short-term replacement charter covers the gap. Because many operators schedule drydocks for the quieter months, suitable relief tonnage can be booked up early. Plan ahead.

Seasonal capacity

Holiday traffic, freight peaks and island tourism can need more capacity than the core fleet provides. A seasonal time charter adds a ship for the busy months without the cost of owning it all year.

New route trials

Opening a new route carries risk. Chartering a ferry for the launch period lets you test demand before committing to a purchase or newbuild. A charter with an option to buy, where the owner will agree to one, can help if the route succeeds.

Emergency replacement

Groundings, fires, machinery failures and accidents take ships out of service at short notice. In an emergency, speed matters, and so does knowing which ships are actually available and compatible with your ports. Send us your route, ports and dates straight away and we will check what can be delivered.

Other uses

Ferries are also chartered for event accommodation, for disaster relief and evacuation, and as temporary transport during infrastructure work. RoPax and cruise ferries with cabins, such as S2807 and S2746 above, can serve as accommodation vessels.

Key specs charterers check

A ferry that does not fit your ports is no use, however good the rate. These are the main points to check.

Lane metres – Freight and car capacity. Check free height and axle load on each deck, not just total lane metres.
Passenger capacity – Certified maximum for your route type and season, which may differ from the ship's highest figure.
Cabins and berths – Needed for overnight routes. Check numbers, berths per cabin and condition.
Service speed – Must meet your timetable. Higher speed means higher fuel cost.
Draft – Must suit port depths at all tides on your route.
Ramp configuration – Bow, stern or side ramps, their width and position must match your linkspans or shore ramps.
Port compatibility – Length, beam, mooring arrangements, gangways, passenger access and shore power at each terminal.
Flag and class – Affect where the ship can trade, crewing, and in some countries whether it can serve domestic routes.
Certificates – Must cover your trading area and the passenger numbers you need.

Your port authority, flag administration and class society should confirm compatibility and certification. Berthing trials or compatibility studies are common before a new ship enters a route. For how the ferry types differ, read the key differences between RoRo, RoPax, high-speed and passenger ferries.

Charter structures for ferries

Bareboat charter (ferry lease)

The charterer takes over the ship and supplies its own crew, management and insurance as set in the contract, and pays all running costs. This is common when an operator wants the ship to run under its own systems, flag and crew. Terms often run from one season to several years.

Time charter

The owner supplies the ship fully crewed, maintained and insured. The charterer directs the employment and usually pays fuel and port costs. This suits drydock cover and short seasonal needs, where the charterer does not want to recruit and train a crew for a short period.

Other arrangements

Single voyages, event charters and charter-to-buy structures are also possible. Terms are negotiated ship by ship. Ask us what an owner will consider. More detail: Bareboat vs. Time Charter for Passenger Ships.

How QPS handles a ferry charter

You send your requirements: route, ports, dates, passengers, lane metres, cabins, speed and charter type.
We search on-market and off-market tonnage, and check basic compatibility against your ports.
We present suitable ships with key specs and the owners' terms.
We negotiate the charter party and coordinate inspections, delivery and redelivery.

Capt. Ken Caine, our Managing Broker, is a USCG-licensed Master Mariner. Our Mediterranean Sea Area office is led by Jeff Garcia.

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can I charter a replacement ferry?

It depends on what is available and how closely it matches your ports and certificates. Relief tonnage for planned drydocks is best booked well ahead. For emergencies, send us your requirements straight away so we can check available ships.

What is the difference between a bareboat and a time charter for a ferry?

In a bareboat charter you take over the ship and supply the crew, management and running costs. In a time charter the owner supplies the ship crewed and maintained, and you direct its employment and usually pay fuel and port costs.

What specs matter most when chartering a RoPax or RoRo ferry?

Lane metres with free height and axle loads, passenger capacity, cabins, service speed, draft, ramp configuration, port compatibility, and flag and class. A ferry must fit your linkspans and berths as well as your traffic.

Can I charter a ferry with an option to buy?

Some owners will agree to a purchase option or charter-to-buy terms. This is negotiated ship by ship, so ask us about specific vessels.

Do you only offer the ferries listed on your website?

No. Some ferries are off-market and their details are shared with qualified charterers after an NDA. Send us your requirements and we will tell you what is available.

Next step

Send us your requirements: ferry type, passengers, lane metres, cabins, speed, route and ports, dates, charter type and budget. We will reply with suitable ferries, including off-market options.

Capt. Ken Caine, Managing Broker – +1-516-647-5129 (mobile/WhatsApp), sales@qpsships.com
Jeff Garcia, Managing Broker, Mediterranean Sea Area – +1-954-296-9066, Jeffgarcia@qpsships.com
Office: 4000 Island Blvd, Suite 1506, Aventura, FL 33160

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Cruise Ships and Passenger Vessels for Sale and Charter Worldwide