Viking’s repaired gearbox is to be installed on Thursday evening ahead of the busy Bank Holiday weekend.
Two weeks ago the fast craft suffered a mechanical failure in one of its four gearboxes. The repair is scheduled for completion tomorrow (Wednesday).
In order to replace the gearbox in time for the Tynwald Day weekend, Viking’s evening 17.45 Isle of Man-Liverpool and 21.15 Liverpool-Isle of Man sailings on Thursday 3rd July have been rescheduled.
Both services will be undertaken by Snaefell, with the 17.45 now sailing to Heysham at 18.45, and the return leaving Heysham at 22.00. Courtesy coach transfers between Liverpool and Heysham will be offered for foot passengers, and the Company is contacting all customers affected to advise of the revised arrangements.
Viking will recommence her scheduled services on Friday 4th July with the 07.30 Isle of Man-Liverpool sailing, with her usual sailing time of two and a half hours.
Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: “The problem with the Viking gearbox was unfortunate and led to an extra half hour on her sailing times for the last fortnight.
“We had anticipated that it would take three weeks to strip the gearbox down and rebuild it before refitting it. However, the gearbox manufacturer has now completed repairs and we should be back on schedule and running at normal speed for the Tynwald Day weekend, which is a busy time for us.
“We deeply regret any inconvenience experienced by our passengers following the Viking gearbox failure.”
