Due to a planned maintenance we are running a two ferry service with departures every 15 minutes, latest updates.
Update on the Return to a Three-Ferry Service
We know many customers have been asking for an update on the return to a three-ferry service. While we had hoped to provide an update sooner, we have been assessing the impact of the recent storms and severe weather on the fleet before confirming the next steps.
This update covers progress on the Plym II maintenance programme, the impact of recent weather conditions, and the actions required to return the fleet to full operation.
Plym II Maintenance Programme Update
The planned maintenance works on Plym II are now nearing completion. However, before the vessel can return to service, a series of inspections, checks and sea trials must be successfully completed.
Whilst our teams and contractors have worked hard to minimise delays, the availability and scheduling of specialist contractors has impacted the programme.
Sea trials are currently planned for Thursday and Friday this week. These trials form an important part of the commissioning process, allowing engineers and operational teams to assess the vessel under normal operating conditions before it returns to carrying passengers and vehicles.
Subject to the successful completion of these trials and final inspections, we currently anticipate Plym II returning to service on Tuesday 3 November.
Whilst we recognise this extends the previously anticipated completion date by a small number of days, it is important that all testing and assurance work is completed before the vessel returns to operation.
Recent Storm Conditions and Service Disruption
The maintenance programme has also coincided with a period of severe weather which has affected transport networks across the South West, creating additional operational and engineering challenges across the fleet.
A chain-related issue was identified on Tamar II on Monday 26 October. Whilst the issue required further investigation, forecast overnight wind speeds in excess of 50mph were expected to place additional loads on ferry chains and gantry infrastructure.
As a precautionary measure, Tamar II was withdrawn from service while engineers assessed the issue.
Although the service continued on a reduced basis throughout the evening, the most severe weather conditions during the early hours of Tuesday 27 October resulted in the remaining vessel, Lynher II, being temporarily withdrawn from service between approximately midnight and 2.00am for safety reasons.
Operationally, we will always strive to maintain at least one ferry in service wherever it is safe to do so. However, the safety of our passengers, crew and infrastructure will always remain our highest priority, and we will never operate vessels in conditions considered unsafe.
As wind conditions eased during the early hours of Tuesday morning, engineering assessments and operational checks enabled the scheduled two-ferry service to resume from approximately 6.30am.
Next Steps
Following further investigations into the condition of the Tamar II chain, engineers have assessed the impact and are satisfied that the vessel can continue operating safely while longer-term repairs are planned and weather conditions remain suitable.
However, a permanent repair will be required to fully address the issue.
To allow this work to take place, Tamar II is currently expected to be withdrawn from service between 3 November and 6 November, following the planned return of Plym II.
This will allow engineers to complete any necessary remedial work while maintaining a two-ferry service.
As a result, although Plym II is expected to return to service on 3 November, the crossing is expected to continue operating with two ferries while work on Tamar II is completed.
Subject to the successful completion of these works and normal operational requirements, we currently anticipate returning to a full three-ferry service from 6 November.
We recognise this will be disappointing news for many customers and local businesses who rely on the crossing every day.
We remain committed to returning all three vessels to service as soon as it is safe and practical to do so, and we will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available.
We would like to thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding during this period.
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.