Time’s running out: Beaufort County sets deadline for Daufuskie ferry operator fixes
The operator of the public ferry service between Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie Island has until noon Friday to correct what Beaufort County has described as a “breach of contract” related to cargo weight policy changes.
A letter from Beaufort County was sent Thursday to Lowcountry Ferry, the county’s contracted service provider, stating that their recent adjustment to cargo weight limits violates the terms of their agreement, county spokesperson Hannah Nichols confirmed.
Daufuskie Island residents noticed new signage on the ferry Wednesday outlining changes for Qualified Discount Rider (QDR) pass holders, effective July 1.
The most significant change, residents have said, is reducing the weight limit for cargo from 100 pounds to 50 pounds. This include the weight of wagons or carts themselves along with any groceries or other items filling them. The sign says that the 100-pound allowance had only been a temporary measure to help riders transition to the ferry’s new system.
While the contract allows for excess luggage fees, the base cargo limit must be authorized by Beaufort County. But according to Nichols, the adjusted 50-pound limit had not been approved by the county.
The contract says that the county can terminate the contract if the vendor does not respond with a “timely or reasonably achievable plan.”
History of the contract
Lowcountry Ferry has operated the public ferry service since January 2024, when the county opted not to renew its contract with Haig Point Community Associates, which had requested a more expensive renewal at $1.02 million annually. Lowcountry Ferry was awarded the contract at a lower bid of $365,000.
Some residents, noting that the island is only accessible by boat, have described the public ferry as their “lifeline.” Since the start of the new contract 18 months ago, residents on the island and advocacy groups have raised concern regarding the ferry service.
The current contract is less than two years into the five-year agreement.
This is not the first time Beaufort County has mandated the ferry service make adjustments to comply with its contract. In August 2024, County Administrator Michael Moore issued a notice of noncompliance to ferry owner Neil Turner, citing insufficient backup boats and faulty air conditioning as violations of contract standards.
At the time, the provider had seven days to remedy the issue.
An email to Turner and phone call to the ferry service seeking comment were not returned.
