LYNHER Ferry Returns to Service Following Refit

The LYNHER ferry returned to service at 07:10 this morning, Thursday 27th June, following the completion of its five-yearly refit. Its return means the Torpoint crossing is back to operating with all three ferries during the busy morning period.

This brings welcome relief for commuters and travellers after a period of reduced service.

Weekend travel updates

Tamar Crossings will be posting regular updates on service levels over the weekend via its website and social media channels. Passengers are encouraged to check for the latest information before travelling.

A normal three-ferry timetable will resume fully from Monday 30th June.

What happened during the refit

LYNHER was towed back to Torpoint on 16th June after undergoing its refit at A & P Falmouth. Since then, staff have been working to restore the ferry’s safety systems, public seating, and key onboard equipment.

This included testing navigation and emergency alarm systems, as well as installing upgraded IT servers and computer systems that handle tolling and communications.

Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT) were carried out in recent days to check all systems were functioning properly. These trials were followed by inspections from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyds Register, confirming the ferry was safe to return to service.

Part of a rolling maintenance cycle

Each of the three Torpoint ferries undergoes a major refit every five years. LYNHER’s return completes the current cycle, following PLYM’s refit in 2023 and TAMAR’s earlier this year.

The latest work included:

• Dry docking to inspect and assess the underwater hull

• Replacing ageing or obsolete equipment such as chainwheel drive couplings and propulsion motor components

• Full repainting of the vessel above and below the waterline

Interim General Manager Andrew Vallance 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.”

World-leading ferry service

The Torpoint Ferry is the world’s largest and busiest chain ferry service and the UK’s busiest inland waterway ferry crossing. It carries up to 8,000 vehicles and 1,500 pedestrians each day.

Operated by Tamar Crossings, the ferries run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all conditions. Keeping the fleet in working order requires an extensive maintenance plan, much of which is carried out while the ferries are still in use. However, some key tasks can only be completed during dry dock refits.

For the latest service updates, visit the Tamar Crossings website.