The Woolwich Ferry will be running a reduced service until the beginning of next month for engine replacement work, with only one boat in service at any one time, Transport for London has warned.
The main generator engines on the two boats – Dame Vera Lynn and Ben Woollacott – are being replaced between now and the beginning of April to “ensure the continued safe, reliable and compliant operation of the service, as well as maintaining marine safety certification and regulatory compliance”, Transport for London said on Monday.
TfL has also warned that the service, linking Woolwich with North Woolwich and the South Circular with the North Circular roads, may need to be suspended for short periods during “critical stages of the work”.
The work on the ferries coincides with roadworks on the south side of the river to create the extension to Cycleway 4.
“These works are vital in order to keep the free Woolwich Ferry service running for customers,” Navid Golshan, the ferry’s general manager said. “We will seek to minimise disruption wherever possible, and encourage everyone who might be affected to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and check before they travel using our website. Other routes in the area may also be busier than normal and we’re sorry for any disruption to people’s journeys.”
The two ferries were introduced in 2019, but were blighted by technical issues which led to Sir Sadiq Khan branding them “not good enough”. A regular two-boat service only returned less than two years ago, with sailings now running from 6am to 10pm.
After the Silvertown Tunnel opened last year the ferries had a surge in demand from drivers seeking to avoid the new tolls there and at the Blackwall Tunnel. The mayor has no power to charge for the Woolwich Ferry – introducing charges would require an act of parliament.
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