A cable ferry (including the types chain ferry, rope ferry, swing ferry, floating bridge, or punt) is a ferry that is guided (and in many cases propelled) across a river or large body of water by cables connected to both shores. The earliest examples date from the 13th century, and often used either rope or steel chains. These were largely replaced by wire cable by the late 19th century. Cable ferries use relatively little energy, but can hinder other craft.
