Motorists are being advised of possible delays on the Torpoint Ferry tomorrow as a predicted weather window allows for an overdue chain change.
The Lynher II needs to have its main chains changed over ahead of its five-yearly refit next month. The task has twice been postponed due to high winds, but tomorrow’s forecast looks good, says Tamar Crossings.
’The intention is to run the normal three ferry service until approximately 8.30am, at which time we will reduce to a two ferry service,’ said a spokesperson.
’Should this change, social media and the website will be updated at the earliest opportunity.
’We will confirm the timing of the second chain change as soon as we can identify a suitable weather and tide window.’
The complex nature of chain replacement works means that both the weather and tides need to be within strict limits.
Ferry chains have to be replaced every three years and, where possible, management tries to match these works with the refit programme to avoid damaging recently recoated deck surfaces where the chain has to be handled – and in this case Lynher is going for refit next month.
Changing main chains is a major engineering exercise - each chain is over 650 metres long and weighs 23 tonnes - and involves the ferry itself being used to pick up the old chain and feed in the new chain. Part of the process is ‘pulling slack’ - getting the right amount of slack and tension into the chain so that it will match operational requirements. The whole process typically takes 2-3 days depending on tide timings.