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Steam Packet says manufacturer has let it down

Fri, 02 Dec 2011

The Steam Packet Company says it's been badly let down by the manufacturer whilst waiting for the repair to one of the Ben-my-Chree's bow thrusters.

The company repairing the damaged unit has missed its deadline twice, meaning the Steam Packet has had to cancel dry dock slots, freighter charters and crew arrangements.

With only one of the two bow thrusters functioning, the Ben's manoeuvrability is reduced.

In the last week, the vessels sailings were cancelled on four days, with a warning of more disruption for later today.

However, the operator says many of the crossings which were cancelled wouldn't have gone even with both bow thrusters functioning.

It was announced yesterday that the repair won't be possible until April, when the Ben is scheduled for its biennial dry dock period.

The Steam Packet says it wants to get the repair done before then as the costs of operating with one bow thruster are dramatically higher, due to the cost of tugs and cancelled sailings, plus the cost of the repair itself.

However, the part will now not be ready until at least the new year and it's not thought there'll be time to find a suitable charter vessel before the dry docking period.

 

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