By
Alex Smith |
Wightlink is investing more than £8 million ($10.7 million) in its annual programme of maintenance for its eight-strong ferry fleet and port facilities.
The six-month-long programme began at the start of September, with Wight Sky sailing to Hythe Shipyard in Southampton, UK. Works undertaken included painting the vehicle deck, pouring new resin flooring in passenger walkways and installing a new control box. Wight Link will be the next ferry to be sent to the shipyard, arriving in October.
Wightlink’s passenger catamaran, FastCat Wight Ryder 1, is also currently in drydock at Trafalgar Shipyard in Portchester, UK, with its sister ship Wight Ryder 2 to follow in early 2025.
Each ferry in Wightlink’s fleet will in turn be withdrawn from service for refurbishment until April 2025, as required by their maintenance schedules. A refit captain and crew accompany each ship and will carry out the majority of the work.
“Routine maintenance is carried out all year round but annual refit work on our fleet, including dry docking, is essential,” said John Burrows, director of fleet and operations. “Our engineers plan their schedules many months in advance and engage specialist contractors for complex tasks. We also make sure we keep Wightlink port infrastructure in good order as it needs to work efficiently in all weathers.”