MV Smallwood out for maintenance An engine problem discovered during pre-season maintenance on MV Joseph and Clara Smallwood will keep the vessel out of service until mid June, but Marine Atlantic doesn't anticipate any difficulty meeting traffic demand on its gulf service in the interim. While the Smallwood undergoes repairs, MV Caribou will continue operating on the accelerated spring schedule. She is being supplemented by the freight vessel Atlantic Freighter. "There shouldn't be a capacity problem, but some travellers will have to adjust their departure times until both superferries are operating," says gulf service general manager Peter McInnis. "We are calling our reserved passengers, and people intending to travel in the next 10 days should contact our reservations office." McInnis noted the Smallwood has four main engines. While she can operate on three, all four are required to achieve maximum speed and maintain the increased sailing schedule offered during the summer period from June 21 to September 13. "The problem was discovered during a planned pre-season check of the vessel, and we've opted to keep the ship out of service while it is fully corrected," McInnis said. "The work may cause some inconvenience for June travellers, but it is necessary to ensure we will be able to maintain the published schedule during Newfoundland's peak tourism season." Ferry travellers can reach Marine Atlantic reservations through a toll-free line at 1-800-341-7981. Contact: Doug Burgess, Public Relations Office, (709) 772- 5731.
|