MV Veteran to be out of service for several weeks

The problem-laden ferry that's supposed to serve residents of Fogo Island andChange Islands will be off the run for nearly two months.

The MV Veteran has been assessed and inspected by technicians from Damen Shipyards and Rolls Royce, a news release from the Department of Transportation and Works said Wednesday.

Parts for the repair are expected to arrive during the first week of May. The repairitself isanticipated to take three to four weeks.

MV Veteran timeline

9 years ago

Duration 0:44

How long has the new MV Veteran been out of service due to mechanical issues? Check out this timeline

The Veteran was taken off the run for the fourth time in early April for an issue with its port thruster.

"Throughout the inspection and repair work,Damenand Rolls Royce are also working to determine the root cause of the failure of the thruster," the release said.

It had been out of service for several weeks prior to that for similar propulsion unit problems.

Re-certifyingCapt. Earl W. Winsor

In the meantime, the MV Capt. Earl W. Winsor will be repaired and re-certified for service.

It's anticipated that work will be finished by mid-May, and then it will relieve the MV BeaumontHamel until the Veteran returns to service.

The Veteranhas had several mechanical issues since its maiden voyage in December 2015.

"The department continues to holdDamenShipyards and Rolls Royce accountable to deliver a vessel that provides the reliability and sustainability that the department contracted for and is ensuring necessary actions are being taken to secure the operation of the vessel when it returns to service," said the the Department of Transportation and Works.

The vessel is currently in St. John's.