3rd December - New Ferry Statement
Lymington to Yarmouth Ferry Service
Representatives of Wightlink and Lymington Harbour Commissioners (LHC) met last week to review the situation with regards to the introduction of the new ferries.
The new vessels Wight Light and Wight Sky are currently engaged in a comprehensive Risk Assessment that is nearing completion. All the safety recommendations arising to date have been accepted by Wightlink.
There are a few outstanding trials, however, that require a very specific combination of conditions and both Wightlink and LHC remain in close contact to complete these as soon as is practicable.
In conjunction with BMT Seatech, who are carrying out the assessment on behalf of LHC, the intention is for as much as possible of the remaining trials to be completed, in December, in order that the BMT draft report can be available by the end of the month.
Wightlink clarified its intention that the new vessels should enter service in January prior to the withdrawal of the Passenger Safety Certificates of the current 35 year old ferries. LHC confirmed their understanding of this plan.
Pending completion of the Risk Assessment, consultation with stakeholders and completion of the Appropriate Assessment, it was accepted that the ships may enter service using an “Interim Safe Operating Profile” in the Lymington river – the safety terms of which have been proposed by LHC under advice from BMT Seatech and are accepted by Wightlink. This interim profile will be subject to review as the trials are completed and BMT Seatech concludes its overall assessment.
Wightlink restated its commitment to the safe operation of the new vessels and confirmed that training and familiarisation of Masters and crew has been undertaken to its satisfaction. In addition, Wightlink also noted that all Safety Management Systems, as required by International Ship Management legislation, have been compiled and completed for the new ships.
Environmental concerns were discussed with both Wightlink and LHC being clear that they must discharge their obligations in that respect as required and appropriate.
To this end, LHC reiterated that it would consult with Natural England in ensuring the safeguard of the environment within the parameters of an ‘Interim Safe Operating Profile’.
On its part, Wightlink stated that, following extensive studies undertaken, it was satisfied that the new vessels will have no material impact on the environment and in respect of emissions will represent a considerable improvement over the old. Wightlink confirmed that it will continue to use proper diligence in operating its vessels to achieve these outcomes.
Finally, the meeting jointly affirmed the objective that the evolution from old to new ferries must not compromise what has been a very good safety record on the Lymington river.
