Ice damage puts Fogo Island ferry Veteran out of service, again

The MV Veteran is out of service again.

The troubled ferryis drydocked in St. John's, where it is being repaired for ice damage to its hull.

According to the Department of Transportation and Works, repairs will take approximately two to three weeks.

The Veteran usually handles the Fogo Island and Change Islands run.

It has been replaced by its sister ship, the MV Legionnaire.

The Veteran was described as a "Super A1" ice class vessel when it was launched in 2015.

• New Fogo Island-Change Islands ferry MV Veteran launched in Romania

Officials with the Department of Transportation and Works tell CBC that "being ice rated means the vessel can operate in heavier ice conditions."

But they stressthat the Veteran is not an icebreaker, noting that "ice conditions this season have even been challenging for the Canadian Coast Guard."

That latest round of work on the two-year-old ferry is expected to cost $350,000.

That total includes the ongoinghull repairs, docking fees and some other work such as underwater coating.

Series of problems with MV Veteran

The Veteran has experienced a series of problems since entering the province's ferry service in December 2015.

Troubles popped up, ranging from issues with the propulsion unit tothe port thruster to the ship's ramp.

In its first year of service, the Veteran broke down at least four times and was out of service for three months at a stretch.

The ship cost Newfoundland and Labrador taxpayers $50 million.

• Veteran down, helicopter up: Fogo Island ferry out of service again
• MV Veteran has everyone 'shaking their heads,' says Minister Al Hawkins
• 'We do have a lemon': Fogo ferry users frustrated by problems with MV Veteran