Tamar II returns to the water after restoration work
The Torpoint Ferry is the world’s biggest and busiest chain ferry service
One of the Torpoint ferries returns to service today after a major refit.
Tamar II's had work done including safety checks, replacement of outdated equipment and new furniture as part of regular five yearly checks.
It was towed back to Torpoint earlier this month for final inspections before returning to the water.
David List, General Manager of Tamar Crossings, said “The refit has been a very complex project, and everyone involved with the project has worked exceptionally hard to complete the work and get the ferry into service."
Tamar Crossings operate the ferries 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all weathers and Mr list says 'achieving this requires a significant planned maintenance programme'.
He added: "While the majority of maintenance is carried out while the vessels are afloat or during off peak periods while an individual vessel is not on scheduled service, some maintenance activities have to be carried out during refits in dry dock conditions."
The Torpoint Ferry is the world’s biggest and busiest chain ferry service and the UK’s busiest inland waterway ferry crossing – providing crossings for up to 8,000 vehicles and 1,500 pedestrians each day.
Each of the three ferries undergoes a full refit every five years and Tamar II is the second of the ferries to undergo a refit during this five-year cycle, with Plym’s refit completed in summer 2023. Lynher’s next refit is scheduled to take place in April 2025.
Mr List said: "These refits are essential to maximise the life of the ferries and ensure that we continue to provide a safe and reliable service.
“During the period of two ferry operation the staff at the ferry have worked hard to minimise disruption to service, and any defect repairs have been carried out as quickly as possible.
“I would like to thank drivers and passengers for their patience during this period."