Westmorland and Furness Council’s iconic Windermere Ferry is ready to welcome passengers back on board tomorrow following a successful inspection.
‘The Mallard’ passenger ferry has been out of service for just under six weeks for a Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) mandatory inspection and refit that is required every five years to maintain its licence to run.
Earlier today, the MCA issued the certificate granting approval for the ferry, and the council as operator, to continue providing a service on Lake Windermere for another five years following confirmation the vessel passed its inspection.
Over the course of the work programme, a series of significant upgrades, maintenance works and enhancements to passenger facilities, and rigorous overhauls of the ferry’s hydraulics and drive line have been delivered. The vessel has also received its first full repaint in fifteen years, transforming it back to its original colour.
This recent works programme builds on a modification delivered in December 2023 to the ferry’s ramps to install longer chains. The improvements will allow the vessel to operate in higher lake levels and enhance the reliability of the service in winter months.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and Assets said:
“The successful completion of Mallard’s inspection and refit programme shows our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and reliable service for local communities and visitors to the area.
“Thanks to the hard work of our crew and contractors, our works programme was delivered to schedule and we will be back on the water, as planned, on Friday 24 May.
“A significant amount of hydraulic and mechanical work has been completed to a standard that will improve the efficiency of the ferry, with any issues along the way identified and addressed.
“I would also like to thank our customers for your patience while we were out of service and look forward to welcoming you back on board.”
Passengers can catch the first run of the day tomorrow (Friday 24 May) at 6.50am from Ferry Nab, with the last crossing taking place from Far Sawrey at 10pm.
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