The Department of Infrastructure is aiming to complete the mid-life refurbishment of the Government-owned linkspan next week.

The upgrade was required as the two large hydraulic cylinders that operate the structure were nearing the end of their operational life having been in place for almost 16 years. The cylinders, which are 12 metres long and weigh 9.5 tonnes, help to raise and lower the linkspan to meet the ramp on a vessel, irrespective of the state of the tide.

The first phase of the ?444,000 project took place in January and involved the installation of a new cylinder. The unit that was removed has been reconditioned by the manufacturers in Holland and transported back to the Isle of Man. It will be reinstalled in place of the second original cylinder, which will be retained as a spare.

Work is scheduled to start on Wednesday 29 June and there should be no disruption to ferry services.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘The Government linkspan is an important part of our economic infrastructure as it handles about 90% of all the Isle of Man’s sea freight. This capital investment has enabled the Department to put in place one brand new hydraulic cylinder and one fully reconditioned cylinder, which will significantly extend the life of the linkspan.’

He added: ‘The maintenance of our national assets is a responsibility the Department takes very seriously as part of its commitment to providing the foundations on which the Isle of Man can build economic and social success.’