Essential Upgrade Work Planned for Torpoint Ferry Tamar II
From 19 March to 30 April 2026, Tamar Crossings will be carrying out an important upgrade to one of the Torpoint ferries, Tamar II. The work involves replacing the vessel’s Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) — a vital digital control system that helps the crew operate the ferry safely and efficiently.
What is the IPMS?
The Integrated Platform Management System is a highly sophisticated, computer-based system that monitors and manages many of the ferry’s core functions, including its engineering systems, auxiliary equipment, safety features and damage-control systems.
In simple terms, it acts as the “central nervous system” of the vessel. It allows the crew to monitor equipment, identify faults and control systems from the engine control room, helping to ensure the ferry operates safely and reliably.
The current system on Tamar II has been in service for more than 20 years and has now reached the end of its operational life. It is no longer supported by the manufacturer, meaning replacement parts, software updates and technical assistance are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. As a result, faults are becoming more frequent and recovery times longer.
Upgrading to a modern, supported system will help ensure the long-term reliability and safety of the ferry service.
Why the work needs to happen now
While upgrades of this type are normally carried out during a vessel’s scheduled refit, the condition of the existing system means we cannot wait until the next planned refit in two years’ time.
A similar upgrade was recently completed on the sister ferry Lynher during its refit. However, the aging system on Tamar II now presents a risk of more serious failures that could potentially take the ferry out of service for a much longer period if left unaddressed.
Carrying out the upgrade now helps prevent the possibility of extended service disruption in the future.
Work taking place in Torpoint
During the upgrade period, Tamar II will remain moored in deep water at Torpoint while the work takes place.
Specialist engineers from Rolls-Royce Holdings will work alongside the ferry crew in the engine control room to install and commission the new system. Contractors will be on site Monday to Saturday between 8am and 8pm, with several technical specialists involved in the project.
Keeping the vessel in Torpoint for the upgrade avoids the need to tow it to another port for the work, which would normally keep the ferry out of service for significantly longer.
Temporary two-ferry service
While Tamar II is undergoing the upgrade, the Torpoint ferry service will operate with two ferries instead of three.
Between 19 March and 30 April, ferries will depart every 15 minutes from each side of the river between 6am and 10pm.
We understand this may lead to delays at peak travel times, and we encourage customers to check the latest travel information on the Tamar Crossings website before setting out.
Customers may also wish to consider using the Tamar Bridge as an alternative route for crossing the river.
We recognise that delays can be frustrating and appreciate our customers’ patience while this essential work is carried out.
By completing the upgrade now and carrying out the work locally in Torpoint, we are minimising downtime while ensuring the ferry service remains safe, efficient and reliable for the future.