The PLYM is one of three chain ferries operated by Tamar Crossings which provide a vital 24-hour ferry service in all weathers for up to 8,000 vehicles and 1,500 pedestrians each day, 365 days a year, between Devonport and Torpoint.

Achieving this requires a significant planned maintenance programme. Whilst the majority of maintenance is carried out while the vessels are afloat or during off-peak periods while an individual vessel is not on scheduled service, some maintenance activities have to be carried out during refits in dry dock conditions.

Each of the three ferries undergoes a full refit every five years. PLYM is the first of the ferries to undergo a refit during this five-year cycle. TAMAR’s next refit is scheduled to take place in April 2024, and LYNHER’s in April 2025.

The refit duration is approximately 6 weeks and this means that the ferry should be back in service in mid-June.

The refits also give Lloyds Register and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) the opportunity to carry out their 5-yearly dry docked inspections which are aimed at ensuring that the ferries are in a good material condition, and that they are safe to operate.

As these ferries can only be towed in relatively calm sea states, the weather can have a significant impact on the programme. In the event of date changes due to issues outside our control, we will provide information through our website and social media channels. We will also be providing regular updates on the progress of the refit on our website.