Steamship Authority names new port captain
FALMOUTH (June 17, 2024) – The Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority (“SSA”) is pleased to announce that Capt. Paul F. Hennessy has been named the organization’s new port captain, effective June 15, 2024.
Capt. Hennessy has been a permanent SSA employee since 1991, having served as a wiper, an ordinary seaman, an able-bodied seaman, a bosun and a pilot before being named a vessel captain in 2000. He has operated all the Authority’s vessels and served as senior captain on four vessels in that time. Capt. Hennessy was named assistant port captain in 2019.
As port captain, Capt. Hennessy will ensure the SSA’s vessels conform to U.S. Coast Guard requirements, ensure that vessel personnel are performing their duties in accordance with SSA policies incorporated into the Authority’s Safety Quality Management System, and assist with training of vessel personnel.
“Paul’s exceptional dedication, expertise, and contributions have been instrumental in his success at the Steamship Authority,” Chief Operating Officer Mark Higgins said.
Capt. Hennessy, who has a degree from Cape Cod Community College, lives in Cataumet.\
Capt. Hennessy succeeds Port Captain Charles M. Monteiro in the role. Capt. Monteiro, who retired June 14, 2024, a remarkable 48 years after first being hired on a full-time basis as an ordinary seaman. He later served as an able-bodied seaman, a bosun, a purser, a mate, a pilot, a vessel captain, and assistant port captain before being named port captain in 2019.
At a retirement luncheon held last week, Capt. Monteiro was presented with a Public Service Commendation from the U.S. Coast Guard for “exceptional public service and significant contributions promoting maritime safety.”
“Charlie’s decades of service to the Steamship Authority are a remarkable testament to his professionalism, his dedication, and to his infectious personality,” said General Manager Robert B. Davis. “On behalf of the entire company and communities we serve, I wish him fair winds and following seas.”
A Falmouth native, Capt. Monteiro currently resides in East Falmouth.
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Since 1960, the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority has served as the transportation lifeline to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard year round. The Steamship Authority is the largest ferry service to the islands and offers the most frequent daily departures for passengers, automobiles, groups and trucks. In 2023, more than 2.9 million passengers and more than 690,000 vehicles of all sizes were transported to and from the islands. Our U.S. Coast Guard-certified crews are committed to the highest level of safety at sea while our vessels offer comfort and convenience with spacious seating, free Wi-Fi and TV on board.