Public Works Commissioner Darryl A. Smalls said Tuesday the two new ferries acquired by the territory late last year have edged closer to begin plying the waters between Cruz Bay, St. John, and Red Hook, St. Thomas.
The news release from Government House outlined the steps left to be taken but did not estimate when it would be completed.
“Following the recent completion of inspections administered by the United States Coast Guard, the two new state-of-the-art passenger ferries, Red Hook I and Cruz Bay I, are now undergoing a final going over before being turned over to the two franchise operators, Transportation Services and Varlack Ventures,” Smalls said.
The commissioner said the vessels are undergoing a hull cleaning and the application of a coating to maintain the efficiency and the life of the running gear.
“The vessels are out of the water to facilitate this process. Since they arrived in the territory late last year, the ferries have been docked near the Crown Bay Marina,” Smalls said.
Additionally, the operating agreements between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the franchisees are presently in final review prior to execution by all parties, according to the news release.
“While this been a long process to initiate service with the new ferries, I thank and commend everyone involved for their commitment in ensuring that we have a comprehensive agreement that protects the new ferries, vital assets of the territory’s transportation system,” Smalls said.
