S.Atlantic : Ferry Service Suspended - Temporarily
Submitted by SARTMA.com (Nathan Prince) 16.03.2006 (Article Archived on 30.03.2006)

The successful ferry service will be suspended after only one trip.

TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF FERRY SERVICE

The Tamar FI will depart the islands to go into dry dock on 18^th April.  Normal coastal shipping services are expected to resume on 25^th April.  The next ferry service is planned to operate on 12^th May.

Following discussions with operators ISL, FIG has approved a revised schedule  which optimises the use of the Tamar  in the period leading up to the dry docking but which sacrifices the ferry service in favour of preserving vital sheep and wool shipping services at the busiest time of the year for these activities.

The effect of the changes, which begin on 17^th March are as follows:

All scheduled ferry services between 17^th March and 25^th April are cancelled.

17^th – 22^nd  March           Sheep shifting

24^th – 30^th March            Resupply voyage 605

31^st March – 6^th April      Resupply voyage 606

7^th – 10^th April                Sheep shifting

14^th April                       Depart for dry dock

25^th April                       Return from dry dock

FIG Chief Executive, Chris Simpkins commented:

“To put it mildly, cancelling ferries so soon after the service started is most unfortunate.  However, FIG has had to carefully examine the demands on the Tamar during this very busy period.  Dropping ferries was the only realistic option without placing unacceptable risk on the ability to move sheep and wool.  Any customer with specific queries is invited to contact ISL who have been asked to maintain close contact with customers in an effort to minimise disruption and inconvenience.”

Secretariat

Stanley

15^th March 2006