ferry

A ferry is a boat or a place where passengers, freight, or vehicles are transported across a body of water, such as a river, lake, or sea. The term can also refer to a short flight by an airplane carrying passengers or freight. Historically, ferries were crucial for crossing bodies of water before bridges or tunnels were feasible.1

Modern ferries vary greatly, from simple rafts to large vessels capable of carrying trucks and trains. They are essential for transportation in many areas, especially in coastal communities and on inland waterways. Some ferries are designed as "double-enders" with controls at both ends for efficient operation in harbors, while others are high-speed catamarans for shorter, vehicle-free routes.12