Baltimore seeks proposals for three Harbor Connector ferryboats by Aug. 5

Baltimore is seeking proposals for three new Harbor Connector ferryboats, with responses due Wednesday, August 5, 2026, under a city design-build solicitation.

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation issued RFQ-000808, titled “Baltimore City Ferry Boat Design-Build Project.” The base request calls for three single-deck T-Boat-class vessels, each designed to carry 49 passengers.

What the city is requesting

The solicitation seeks qualified firms to design, construct and deliver the three boats. The requested delivery period is within 15 months after a contract is awarded.

Baltimore also included an option for three additional vessels to be delivered within 36 months after contract award. That option is not a guaranteed purchase, so the solicitation does not mean six boats have been approved for construction.

The city bid listing does not establish a contractor, final project cost, funding award or operating start date. Those details would depend on the evaluation of proposals and any later contract action.

What happens after Aug. 5

Wednesday’s deadline is for proposal submission, not delivery. The city would need to review the responses, select a contractor if it proceeds, finalize contract terms and then begin the delivery period specified in the solicitation.

If Baltimore awards a contract, the initial three vessels would be expected within 15 months of that award. Any decision to exercise the option for three more boats would be a separate step under the contract terms.

Harbor Connector context

The Harbor Connector is tied to Baltimore Water Taxi operations under a city contract. The Baltimore Banner has reported that Baltimore Water Taxi operates the free Harbor Connector routes connecting waterfront destinations.

The new solicitation could support future fleet capacity, but it does not approve new routes or announce changes to existing service. Residents should not expect an immediate change to Harbor Connector schedules, fares or availability based solely on the procurement request.

What residents should watch next

The next meaningful milestones are a possible award announcement, final contract terms, funding information and any later service-plan changes. Until those actions occur, the city’s ferry effort remains in the proposal stage.

Sources

• Baltimore City Ferry Boat Design-Build Project, RFQ-000808
• The Baltimore Banner: Veteran mariner buys back Baltimore Water Taxi from Under Armour’s Kevin Plank