LYNHER II is one of three ferries operated by Tamar Crossings which provide a vital 24 hour chain ferry service in all weathers for up to 8,000 vehicles a day, including emergency vehicles, and around 1,500 pedestrians each day, 365 days a year.

Achieving this requires a significant planned maintenance programme. While the majority of maintenance is carried out while the vessels are afloat or during off peak periods while an individual vessel is not on scheduled service, some maintenance activities have to be carried out during refits in dry dock conditions.

LYNHER II’s refit is part of the ongoing cycle of refits of the ferries, with the scale and scope of works due to be carried out similar to the recent refits of PLYM II and TAMAR II. This means the ferry should be back in service in early to mid-May.

The refits also give Lloyds Register and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) the opportunity to carry out their five-yearly dry docked inspections which are aimed at ensuring that the ferries are in a good condition, and that they are safe to operate.

The ferries can only be towed in relatively calm sea states and low wind conditions, so adverse weather can, and has in the past, significantly impacted on the actual dates of the towing operations in both directions. In the event of a date changing due to issues outside our control, we will provide information through our website, social media and other means. We will also publish regular updates on the progress of the refit on our website.