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- calendar_today November 13, 2026
State Attorney General Challenges Mackinac Island Ferry Operator
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has initiated legal action against the company responsible for ferry services to Mackinac Island, alleging anti-competitive behavior and monopoly control over the market.
Allegations of Monopoly and Price Increases
At a Thursday press conference, Nessel accused Hoffmann Marine, the owner and operator of all ferry lines and long-term parking options serving Mackinac Island, of violating Michigan's anti-trust laws. She stated that since consolidating ferry operations, Hoffmann Marine has "leveraged massive power" to raise ferry prices, limit services, and pressure officials over pricing decisions.
"We’ve seen Hoffmann do exactly what you’d expect a monopoly to do," Nessel said. "They’ve raised prices, limited services, and leveraged their massive power in alarming ways." According to Nessel, the company has even threatened to suspend ferry services if officials did not comply with its pricing demands.
Hoffmann Marine Responds to Allegations
In response, Hoffmann Marine expressed disappointment in the lawsuit and maintained that its actions are within both state and federal antitrust laws. The company highlighted that a federal court had previously dismissed antitrust claims brought by the City of Mackinac Island against them—twice.
"As a reminder, the federal court has already twice rejected the City of Mackinac Island’s antitrust claims in its federal litigation against us," Hoffmann Marine said in an emailed statement to WCMU. The company also noted that it agreed with Attorney General Nessel's earlier statement encouraging the parties to work out their disagreements and warned that new legal action could hinder those efforts.
Attorney General's Office Seeks to Restore Competition
As Attorney General Nessel approaches the end of her term due to term limits, she emphasized her commitment to prosecuting the case. She remarked that Eli Savit, attorney general-elect, is aware of and supports the lawsuit. "He’s in full-throated support of continuing this and making sure that we are, again, protecting the businesses and the people of Mackinac Island, as well as people all over the state and our country who wish to enjoy it," Nessel stated.
The Attorney General is seeking judicial intervention to require Hoffmann Marine to sell its ferry lines, a move intended to restore market competition and address concerns over limited services and high ferry prices.
Changes in Mackinac Island Governance
The lawsuit follows the recent passage of a charter amendment by Mackinac Island voters on November 3, giving local officials final authority over ferry ticket and parking rates. The amendment aims to increase local control over key aspects of island transportation and public access.
Broader Implications of the Lawsuit
Nessel’s legal challenge against Hoffmann Marine puts a spotlight on the ongoing struggles over ferry services to one of Michigan’s most popular tourist destinations. The outcome could have significant implications for how ferry services are managed, regulated, and priced in the future.
This lawsuit is part of broader efforts to ensure access, competition, and reasonable pricing for residents and visitors relying on Mackinac Island ferry transportation.
Source: bridgemi.com.
