AQW 4670/16-21

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 05/10/2016
Answered On Date: 24/10/2016
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
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.

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.