Fleet Support Limited (FSL) has scheduled up to 17 ferries for annual maintenance this winter in its Portsmouth Naval Base dry docks.
The growing success of FSL as a centre of excellence for ferry overhauls has again led to the majority of cross-Solent ro-pax and cross-Channel fast ferry operators returning their vessels to the Portsmouth facility.
Wightlink, who have a long-term partnering arrangement with FSL, Red Funnel, Condor and Speed Ferries are among the operators who have booked the FSL dry docks.
Their vessels will undergo a wide range of survey, machinery overhaul and refurbishment tasks in dockings lasting up to two weeks with FSL working alongside established teams of sub-contractors. In addition, FSL has recently completed an annual refit of the British Antarctic Survey ship Ernest Shackleton.
FSL’s winter programme has grown consistently in recent years and now sees two docks almost permanently occupied for the period November to end March.
Mal Lewis, FSL Engineering and Ship Support Director, explained: Ferry operators recognise the advantages of bringing their ships to FSL and we have established a strong winter trade in this type of work, with the emphasis on partnering our long-term customers.
“We are now looking to promote this partnering approach with shipowners who have the flexibility to dock their vessels during the summer months.”
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