The N.C. Department of Transportation christened the new Motor Vessel "Swan Quarter". State Transportation Secretary Gene Conti was joined by other state and local officials at the special ceremony on Monday, November 7th. Betsy Conti christened the vessel. 7 Mattamuskeet Campus students were invited to be part of the christening ceremony by reciting the pledge of allegiance. Students ranged from 5th to 8th grade.

The 220-foot long vessel will carry 50 vehicles and 300 passengers on the Pamlico Sound routes from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island to Ocracoke. The $13 million contract was awarded in October 2009 to Orange Shipbuilding of Orange, Texas. The ferry was delivered to the shipyard in Manns Harbor in late October 2011. The new vessel meets the Americans With Disabilities Act by featuring an ADA-compliant elevator and moves 25 percent faster than existing Sound Class boats; meets Environmental Protection Agency standards for diesel emissions; and is the first of two sister ships that will join the division’s existing four Sound Class ferries. It will continue the tradition of ferries being affiliated with state universities showing the Elon University colors and logo.