THE Steam Packet Company has confirmed that the Ben-my-Chree will go into dry-dock next week to have its broken bow thrust unit repaired.
This will be welcome news to passengers and local businesses that have been affected by numerous cancellations to the ferry service over the last two weeks.
Last week the Steam Packet Company pleaded for "patience" over the cancellations – which are down to a combination of the weather and the broken bow thruster – but said the boat would not be fixed until April.
However it has now announced that due to "increased pressure" put on the bow thrust manufacturer Wartsila the repair work will be undertaken next week.
The new unit is due to be delivered by December 14 and arrangements have been made for the Ben-my-Chree to go into dry-dock, and out of service, on December 16, 17 and 18.
During this time Manannan will be used to provide a passenger service with a single daily crossing to the UK. The ship will also operate the Dublin sailing on December 17.
Provisional arrangements for a freight ship to cover freight transportation are in place.
Mark Woodward, the chief executive of the Steam Packet Company, said: "We are suffering an unusually prolonged period of consistent gale and severe gale force winds at present. To make matters worse these winds have been from an unusual direction which makes berthing in Heysham more difficult.
"The lack of a second bow thrust, in conjunction with these other factors, has contributed to the higher than usual level of cancellations we have been suffering.
"However given the severity of the weather it is clear that we would have lost some, but not all, of the sailings even if both bow thrust units had been functioning.
"We have been working as hard as we can to put pressure on the bow thrust manufacturer, Wartsila, since the early summer. We have made clear to them by every means possible the need to urgently repair, rebuild and re-deliver the replacement bow thrust."
Wartsila has contacted the Steam Packet Company to apologise for the delay in returning the bow-thrust unit.
A letter sent to the Steam Packet Company said: "We are extremely sorry that the repair of the thruster has been delayed and also the consequential problems your company has suffered.
"The issue has already been escalated to the highest level in our company in Finland. The problems have arisen from supplies from subcontractors who have lead time issues at the moment.
"Furthermore the hub body had to be recast due to porosity in the casting. This, unfortunately, is the nature of the casting business sometimes
"I would like to reassure you that there is anything but a lack of urgency on our behalf."
Mr Woodward continued: "We will confirm final arrangements for dry-dock and freighter charter as soon as we can."
Also see: Steam Packet pleads for patience over broken bow thruster
What do you think? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below:
