By
Rebecca Gibson |
UK-based ferry operator Wightlink is to invest more than £500,000 (US$665,000) to carry out maintenance work and upgrades onboard its FastCat vessels ahead of them returning to service in 2021.
The first ferry, Wight Ryder 1, has already entered dry dock at Trafalgar Shipyard in Portchester, Portsmouth for her annual refit. The team will complete maintenance work on a propeller shaft, propeller and rudder, fully refurbish the onboard toilet facilities, and give the vessel a fresh coat of paint.
Wight Ryder 2 will undergo similar upgrades in January.
“It is vitally important to invest in keeping our fleet in good condition,” said Keith Greenfield, chief executive at Wightlink. “Our skilled engineering team carry out extensive work to all our vessels at quieter times so they are ready when demand grows. We are sorry that a reduction of 80 per cent in passenger numbers during lockdown has forced us to suspend our FastCat service temporarily. We look forward to restoring our normal services in the near future.”