This view shows the bow of a boat laden with goods. Smoke frames the top of the image, and the vessel may very well be a steam trawler, rather than a ferry boat, as the photographer has titled the work. The words South Works appear on the front of a large crate just to the right of bow center.
The seller of the photograph claimed the view shows a scene on the docks in Boston Harbor, and added “All I can tell is that I purchased it from a friend who lives in the Boston area. He purchased it on Charles St a long time ago.” No definite location has been established for this photo, and further information is always welcome.