Star Line Ferry
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Ferry transportation |
| Founded | late 1970s |
| Founder | Tom Pfeiffelmann, Sam McIntire, and associates |
| Headquarters | Mackinaw City and St. Ignace , United States |
Area served | Mackinac Island, Michigan |
| Products | Ferry transportation, leisure cruises |
| Owner | Hoffman Family of Companies (since June 2024) |
Mackinac Island Ferry Company—previously known as Star Line—provided ferry transportation services to Mackinac Island in Michigan, operating from docks located in Mackinaw City as well as two separate locations in St. Ignace. The business now functions under the name Arnold Transit Company.
History
The enterprise was established in the late 1970s by Tom Pfeiffelmann, Sam McIntire, and associates, initially operating under the name Argosy Boat Line before adopting the Star Line title, which honored its original five shareholders. In 1979, Star Line launched its inaugural fast ferry, the MV Marquette. To compete with Arnold Transit Company's 1987 catamaran MV Island Express, Star Line introduced the MV Radisson, an 85-foot high-speed ferry equipped with dual propellers and hydro-jets to boost velocity. This design was subsequently reflected in vessels such as MV La Salle, MV Cadillac (1990), and MV Joliet (1993), with the addition of MV Marquette II in 2005.
In November 2016, Star Line purchased most of Arnold Transit Company's assets, merging nearly 140 years of combined history and significantly expanding its fleet to become the longest-established and largest ferry operator serving Mackinac Island.
During summer weekends, Star Line also conducted leisure cruises from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. In 2019, it introduced the MV Good Fortune, a pirate-themed ship offering daily cruises and island tours throughout the summer season.
Beginning in 2022, the company initiated a rebranding effort as "Mackinac Island Ferry Company," fully embracing this new identity by 2023 while still acknowledging its Star Line origins.
In June 2024, ownership transferred to the Hoffman Family of Companies. By September 2024, Hoffman Marine rebranded the operation as Arnold Transit Company, uniting ferry services under a historic and recognized brand name.
Fleet
Mackinac Island Ferry Company manages Michigan’s largest fleet of fast ferries, consisting of six hydro-jet vessels: MV La Salle, MV Radisson, MV Cadillac, MV Joliet, and MV Marquette II. The company’s collection also includes traditional ferries such as MV Anna May, former Arnold Transit ships MV Huron, MV Ottawa, Chippewa, MV Straits of Mackinac II, along with the swift catamaran MV Mackinac Express. Furthermore, it provides a distinctive passenger experience aboard the Great Lakes’ sole pirate ship, MV Good Fortune.