Torpoint Ferry vessel to undergo planned refit

The Tamar II, seen here after its last refit, will go into dry dock for the work

A ferry service is to have one of its three vessels taken out of operation for up to six weeks for maintenance.

The Tamar II is one of the three Torpoint ferries that travel between Plymouth and Torpoint in Cornwall.

The car-and-passenger vessel was due to be taken out of service on Monday 22 April for a planned refit in Falmouth, operator Tamar Crossings said.

It was hoped that, if all was kept schedule, the vessel should return to service in June, it added.

'Significant planned maintenance'

Bosses said preparations for the planned refit were "well under way", with the chain-driven craft due to be towed to a dry dock in Falmouth on Friday 26 April, weather permitting.

It is the vessel's first refit since 2019.

All three boats undergo dry dock work and a refit every five years as part of "a significant planned maintenance programme", the operator said.

Tamar Crossings general manager David List said: "We are obviously hopeful that the tow will be able to go ahead on schedule.

"If, however, the date has to be changed at short notice we will provide information through our website, social media and other means."

The ferries operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, carrying 8,000 vehicles and 1,500 pedestrians day, the company said.

The Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry are jointly owned by Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council, with the operation of the service overseen by a governing committee comprising councillors from both authorities.

The crossings are operated together as a single business which does not receive any financial subsidy from either of the two councils or from the government.

The service is entirely self-financed through the tolls charged.