The Sandbanks Ferry Company has also procured sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for all staff members to use once the ferry returns. All staff have been trained on how to effectively use it and maintain social distancing whilst working. Recruitment for additional seasonal staff to help deliver the new health and safety measures is also underway.
Mike Kean added: “I would also like to pay tribute to the entire team who have worked extremely long hours over recent weeks to get the ferry ready to return in a safe way, and to carry out this year’s refit works ahead of schedule.”
Details of the ferry timetable can be found at: http://www.sandbanksferry.co.uk/timetable.php. Current job vacancies can be found at: http://www.sandbanksferry.co.uk/employment.php. As the resumption of the service comes closer, any additional updates will be announced on the Twitter feed at @sandbanksferry and on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sandbanksferry.
Sandbanks Ferry uses lockdown service suspension to carry out refit works ahead of schedule
The Sandbanks Ferry Company suspended its service on 21st April as a result of the Government-directed lockdown. The lockdown resulted in a dramatic reduction in passenger numbers throughout April, finally reaching on average less than 2 cars per hour before the decision was made to withdraw the service for environmental and economic reasons.
The ferry company can now confirm that the service withdrawal period will be used to carry out all mandatory maintenance and refit work ahead of schedule while complying with social distancing guidelines. This means that the ferry will no longer need to be withdrawn from service in November for its regular biennial refit and maintenance schedule.
Whilst out of service, the ferry has been moored in Poole Harbour to carry out these works and keep the ferry safe whilst unmanned. However, in the early hours of Friday 8th May, a large piece of concrete unexpectedly detached from the fixed jetty and fell into the ferry. The ferry was not directly attached to or connected with this piece of concrete, but it has resulted in a small but significant amount of damage to the hull. At least one of the main prow hinge fixings is cracked and will need repair using a platform and scaffolding fixed to the deck of the ferry.
As a result, the ferry’s return to service has been delayed until at least the beginning of June whilst this unexpected repair work is carried out, and we await Lloyd’s safety surveyor’s approval. More information on the exact date for the return to service, and social distancing measures for staff & customers alike, will be announced in due course.
Commenting, Mike Kean, Managing Director of The Sandbanks Ferry Company said: “We were very disappointed to have to withdraw the service during this public health crisis. However, we are pleased to be able to carry out the November refit and maintenance work ahead of schedule. This will mean less disruption for businesses and residents in the busy run up to Christmas this year, which I hope will be welcome news.”
“The damage sustained by the jetty malfunction is incredibly frustrating, when we were expecting to return to service as soon as traffic volumes were back at a sustainable level. We are doing all we can, working with our contractors and suppliers, to get this rectified as soon as possible. Social distancing guidelines must continue to be adhered to, so we once again ask our customers for their patience while we carry out these unforeseen repair works under difficult conditions.”