Torpoint Ferry Service Update – September and October
As we move through the remainder of the year, Tamar Crossings will be undertaking a coordinated programme of essential upgrades, maintenance and infrastructure works across the ferry service throughout September and October.
This will include planned works to both Tamar II and Plym II vessels, alongside gantry and slipway improvements that are required to support the long-term reliability, safety and resilience of the service.
Customers may naturally view these works in the context of the current two-ferry operation. While the planned maintenance works are separate from recent staffing-related disruption, we recognise that customers will experience both as part of a wider period of reduced service and understand the frustration this may cause.
By carrying out several essential pieces of work during the same period, we can complete important upgrades to our vessels and infrastructure with less long-term disruption to the service, reduce the risk of more significant disruption in the future and improve the reliability of the crossing.
This article explains what work is taking place, why it is needed, how the programme has been planned and what customers can expect throughout.
Current Service Arrangements
As regular customers will be aware, the ferry service is currently operating with two ferries while work continues to restore normal staffing arrangements.
We expect this arrangement to remain in place ahead of the planned works programme. While the causes are separate, we recognise that many customers will experience the current operating arrangements and the forthcoming programme as part of a wider period of reduced service resilience.
In line with our commitment to proactive customer communication and transparency, we are providing notice of the programme, associated timescales and expected impacts so customers can plan ahead and stay informed throughout the works.
Tamar II – 40,000-hour engine overhaul
The first stage of the programme will focus on Tamar II, which will be withdrawn from operational service from 8th September to allow a critical 40,000-hour engine overhaul to be completed.
During this period, engineers and contractors from Darthaven will undertake the overhaul, carrying out the specialist inspection, servicing and engineering work required at this major engine-running-hour milestone.
The work is scheduled to take place between 8th September and 18th September. During the overhaul period, Tamar II will remain moored in deep water at Torpoint and is currently planned to return to operational service on 18th September, although this date may be reviewed if the work is completed ahead of schedule.
Plym II – Upgrade Works and Infrastructure
The second stage of the programme will focus on Plym II, which will be withdrawn from operational service from 21st September to allow for essential upgrade to the vessel’s Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and gantry.
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 Plym 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.
During the upgrade period, Plym II will remain moored in deep water at Torpoint while the work takes place below desk and is currently planned to return to operational service near the end of October, dependant on the completion of the gantry and slipway works.
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.
Why the work needs to happen now
One of the most common questions we receive during planned maintenance and upgrade programmes is why work cannot be delayed until a future refit or carried out at another time.
While some elements of the programme would traditionally be completed during planned vessel refits, delaying the work until the next planned refit would increase the risk of equipment failures, unplanned outages and more significant disruption in the future.
The programme has therefore been developed in line with specialist contractor and equipment availability, as well as addressing the vessel’s requirements before they become larger operational issues, helping to protect the long-term reliability of the crossing for the communities and businesses that depend upon it every day.
Extended period of a two ferry-service
We recognise that this programme comes at a time when many customers have already experienced disruption and changes to normal service arrangements. As a result, we understand that customers will be looking for certainty about what happens next and how services will operate over the coming months.
Taking account of both the current operating arrangements and the planned programme of works, we expect the ferry service to continue operating with two ferries instead of three for an extended period. Ferries will continue to depart every 15 minutes from each side of the river during daytime service, before resuming a normal night service. The overall programme is currently expected to be completed by 30th October, at which point normal operating arrangements are planned to resume.
While there will be an extended period of reduced service as essential works are completed, the programme has been planned to ensure a number of critical upgrades, maintenance activities and infrastructure improvements can be delivered during the same overall period, reducing the need for repeated disruption in future. For the latest ferry service updates please visit our traffic status update page in the first instance.
Ferry Manager Kellyann Bastos said:
"We recognise this is another challenging period for our customers and fully understand the frustration that prolonged disruption can cause. While this programme involves a significant amount of work across both our vessels and infrastructure, it has been carefully planned so that we can complete a number of essential improvements at the same time, rather than creating repeated periods of disruption in the future.
We know any reduction in service has an impact on those who rely on the ferry every day, and we genuinely appreciate everyone’s continued patience and understanding while these important works are completed.”
To support customers through this time, we will continue to:
- Provide updates at key milestones.
- Share changes to service arrangements as early as possible.
- Publish up to date travel information through our status update page.
- Work to minimise disruption wherever possible whilst maintaining a safe ferry service.
If you have any questions relating to the ferry service, you may find the answers in our FAQs.