MEDIA AVAILIBILITY – M/V Captain Almer Dinsmore Commissioning Ceremony
ROCKLAND- October 30, 2026- The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) will host a commissioning ceremony of the Maine State Ferry Service’s first hybrid/diesel ferry. The event will mark the official introduction of the M/V Captain Almer Dinsmore into service. The Dinsmore will be based in Rockland and will serve the Rockland to Vinalhaven route.
The Dinsmore honors Captain Almer Leighton Dinsmore, born in Harrington, Maine, raised in Steuben, and a graduate of the Maine Maritime Academy. During his 45-year career at sea he worked on vessels worldwide before returning home, joining the Maine State Ferry Service in 1978 and working until his retirement in 2013. He first piloted the Everett Libby on the Swan’s Island route and served as relief captain for several island communities before becoming the Libby’s permanent captain in 1987. His service reflected a lasting commitment to Maine’s island residents and workers.
Who:
Captain Almer Dinsmore
Dale Doughty, Commissioner of MaineDOT
Bill Geary, Director of Multimodal Operations of MaineDOT
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree
What: Commissioning ceremony to mark the official introduction of the Dinsmore to service followed by a tour of the vessel
When: November 5, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Where: Maine State Ferry Services Headquarters in Rockland, Maine
Notes for media: Media will be provided an opportunity to meet with Captain Dinsmore, MaineDOT and Maine State Ferry Service representatives, and take a tour of the vessel. Media parking is available at the front of the Rockland terminal. Please RSVP to