Westmorland and Furness Council’s iconic Windermere Ferry will be taken out of the water in April 2024 for its five-yearly refit and full inspection.
‘The Mallard’ passenger ferry will be out of service from Monday 15 April for approximately five weeks for a mandatory inspection that is required for maintaining its licence to run.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will lead the inspection to check the integrity of watertight enclosure of the ferry (the hull) and review the mechanical, electrical and operational records, ensuring the vessel, and council as operator, is fit to continue providing the service.
The council has already invested in significant improvements to the ferry in January 2024 to enhance reliability of the service in winter months. Works involved modifying the ferry ramps and installing longer chains to allow the vessel to operate in higher lake levels.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and Assets said: “The Mallard has been connecting communities across the lake for over 30 years and we are committed to maintaining our cherished transport link for our residents, local businesses and visitors.
“Lots of hard work and dedication has got us to this point and preparations to the slipway are already well underway to get the area set up to take the vessel.
“The programme will include inspection and repairs of all hydraulic, mechanical and electrical systems along with hull repairs, rust treatment and painting. We also aim to fit a radar to allow operation in low visibility conditions such as fog.
“We thank our customers for your patience while we deliver this important work programme so we can continue providing a vital service for years to come.”
As the Windermere Ferry will be out of service from Monday 15 April to Friday 24 May, customers who have purchased a quarterly or annual fare prior to the inspection will receive a one-month complimentary extension.
While the ferry is out of service, road users are encouraged to follow the alternative route via the A591 to Ambleside then onto the B5286 to Hawkshead.
For daily service information and regular updates on the inspection and refit, follow Windermere Ferry on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).