AQW 45602/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 06/05/2026
Answered On Date: 21/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any dates when planned maintenance will take place on the (i) MV Strangford II ferry; and (ii) MV Portaferry II ferry, during the 2026-27 financial year.

Answer:

Each vessel must undergo an annual drydock to obtain a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). Annual dry dock works take place over 6-weeks and are scheduled for February / March and August / September.

The vessels are used interchangeably throughout the year, with routine maintenance carried out on the out of service vessel as required.

The timing of refits and maintenance is planned to ensure that both vessels are available during peak periods, including the business summer season between Easter and the August bank holiday, providing resilience in the service.