Fleet Support Limited (FSL) has docked its first Wightlink cross-Solent ferry for seven years following completion of the annual refit of the vessel Caedmon.

Caedmon will be followed by Wightlink’s two other Lymington-based ferries, Cenwulf and Cenred, over the next few weeks as FSL works through a busy programme of winter dockings.

Work on the Caedmon included hull steelwork repairs, overhauls on the ship’s Voith propulsors and repainting, during 14 days in dock. A similar package is expected on the two other ships.

FSL Engineering Director Mal Lewis explained: “We have worked hard to bring Wightlink back to Portsmouth for refit work and we have proved that we can deliver the quality and price that is required. This will provide a further boost for our ambitions to develop FSL as a centre of excellence for ferry work.”

Cross-Channel operator Condor is also sending its three fast ferry catamarans to FSL this winter and Speed Ferries has stemmed its Dover-based catamaran at Portsmouth for a March docking.