Safety concerns halt Pink Route ferry for two weeks
A ferry route that was suspended for at least the fourth time this year will not return for two weeks, the transport minister said yesterday.
Owen Darrell told the House of Assembly that a reduced schedule will be in place when the Pink Route resumes, which is expected to be on July 25.
He said that the service, for Paget and Warwick, “plays a vital role in our public transportation network across the harbour”.
Mr Darrell told MPs: “The ferries operating this route — the Georgia, Corona and Coralita — are all 37 years old, well beyond their intended 30-year design life span.
“As a result, we are seeing more frequent mechanical issues and increasingly complex repairs.
“These vessels require thorough inspection and maintenance to remain in service. This situation highlights the urgent need for targeted investment in fleet renewal and maintenance to keep the public ferry system running safely and reliably.
“Due to safety concerns, the Pink Route service has been temporarily suspended for two weeks and is scheduled to return on July 25.
“This pause allows our teams to carry out essential repairs and safety checks.
“While we understand the inconvenience this may cause, public safety must always come first. We cannot and will not compromise on that principle.”
He added: “When service resumes, the Pink Route will operate on a reduced weekday commuter schedule.
“This will help us strike the right balance between public access and the need for ongoing vessel maintenance.
“Weekend service will remain suspended for now to provide our technical teams with the time and space needed to complete deep maintenance, conduct safety testing and ensure full compliance with regulatory and safety standards.”
It was announced on Wednesday that the Pink Route was temporarily suspended, owing to "urgent mechanical issues“.
The route, which falls under the remit of the Department of Marine and Ports Services, was halted for the same reason twice last month and once in February.
Mr Darrell said today that it faced “growing operational challenges” because of mechanical concerns stemming from an ageing fleet.
MPs heard that the minister met members of the department yesterday, including ferry crew, to review the status of the service.
Mr Darrell said: “Our discussions focused on the condition of the fleet, operational safety and the wider challenges of managing ageing marine infrastructure.
“It was an open and constructive conversation that reflected a shared commitment to safe and dependable ferry transport.”
He added: “The crews voiced their concerns regarding the vessels’ condition and the operational limitations they face.
“Despite these challenges, they reaffirmed their dedication to serving the public with consistency and care.
“Their professionalism, passion and pride in their roles were clear throughout.”
Douglas De Couto, an Opposition MP, asked the minister if he could provide information about any more long-term solution for the reliability of the Pink Route service.
Mr Darrell said that talks continued and when accurate information was available it would be brought to the House.
Dr De Couto also asked whether consideration was given to the use of other vessels to support the service while the ferries were out of action.
Mr Darrell told MPs that the marine and ports services department was considering all options.
• To see Owen Darrell’s statement in full, see Related Media
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