AQW 4670/16-21 Written question to the Minister for Infrastructure
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) when the new Strangford ferry will be brought to Strangford Lough; (ii) from what date it will be operational; and (iii) why it was delayed.
Asked by Kellie Armstrong MLA on 5 October 2016
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Priority
- Tabled
- 5 October 2016
- Answer due by
- 13 October 2016
- Answered
- 24 October 201619 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Infrastructure
- Priority question
- Yes
Answer
I am pleased to report that, following successful sea trials, the new ferry arrived in Strangford Lough on Saturday 8 October 2016. There will now be a period of training for the ferry crews. It is anticipated that the new ferry will be operational by late November 2016.
Delivery of the vessel was originally scheduled for 31 August 2016. However, during the commissioning phase, the builder, Cammell Laird shipyard, Birkenhead, encountered some issues regarding the integration of the engines and thrusters. These issues were resolved prior to delivery of the vessel.