Why do the ferries have to undergo a refit ?

The ferries provide a vital 24-hour 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 when an individual vessel is not on scheduled service, some maintenance activities have to be carried out during refits in dry dock conditions. The refits are essential to maximise the life of the ferries and ensure that we continue to provide a safe and reliable service.