LYNHER Refit Nearing Completion Ahead of Return to Service

Return Journey Expected Monday

Work on the refit of the LYNHER ferry is nearly complete, with the final Harbour Acceptance Testing (HAT) on its new control systems due to finish in the next few days.

If everything goes to plan and weather conditions allow, the LYNHER is expected to leave Falmouth on Monday, 16th June for the 44-nautical-mile trip back to Torpoint.

What Happens Next?

Once the ferry returns, the towing gear will be removed. The team will then work with A&P to get the vessel ready for service. This includes:

• Reconnecting the ferry to the chains

• Restoring lifesaving and firefighting equipment

• Reinstalling seating

• Carrying out Sea Acceptance Trials (SAT) with Rolls Royce

The trials will also include in-service crew training and familiarisation with the new control system.

Final Checks Before Certification

The SAT is designed to confirm that all systems are working correctly, that performance standards are being met, and that the ferry is ready for inspection by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Lloyds Register.

If those inspections are successful, the LYNHER will rejoin the fleet and a full three-ferry service is expected to resume on Friday, 27th June.

Final Piece of the Puzzle

Each of the three ferries undergoes a complete refit every five years. PLYM was completed in June 2023, TAMAR in 2024, and the LYNHER marks the final stage in this maintenance cycle.

“These refits are essential to ensure that we continue to provide a safe and reliable service and maximise the life of the ferries,” said Interim General Manager Andrew Vallance.

“During the period of two ferry operation the staff at the ferry have extremely worked hard to minimise disruption to service, and any defect identified has been repaired as quickly as possible. I would like to thank service users and the community for their patience during this period.”