Damaged Ferries Set to Return in May as Sailings Face Further Disruption

Two vessels taken out of service following separate incidents are expected to return to operation in May, ferry operator DFDS has confirmed.

The freight ship Caesarea Trader was damaged after an engine room fire off the Isle of Wight in February. Meanwhile, the high-speed ferry Tarifa Jet was taken out of service at the end of March after striking a harbour berth in St Helier Harbour, leading to cancellations and rescheduled sailings during the Easter holiday period.

The Stena Vinga is also currently in dry dock for its annual maintenance. The vessel is due back in service on Wednesday, but Portsmouth sailings remain cancelled until its return.

In the meantime, Côte d'Albâtre has been operating the Portsmouth route. However, DFDS said strong winds had affected operations, with gusts exceeding the ship’s safe operating limits.

The vessel departed Portsmouth earlier today and is currently sailing towards France.