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EUPTA reports Drummond ferries’ repairs ahead of schedule; Neebish captain resignation prompts temporary coverage plan
Summary
Board members were told Drummond III drydock work is ahead of schedule, Drummond IV passed its annual U.S. Coast Guard inspection after minor repairs, and a weekend captain resigned on June 24 for the Neebish route; staff outlined coverage plans and equipment updates.
EUPTA’s director reported on July 1 that maintenance work and inspections for the authority’s ferries are progressing and that staff have plans to maintain service despite a recent resignation.
Director Paramski said work on Drummond III’s drydock is "ahead of schedule," with MCM removing corrosion below the hatches, rebuilding steering cylinders, replacing hull plating and working on the engine deck and pilot house. The ferry was lifted out of the water and fuel tanks were emptied and cleaned; the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a walkthrough inspection during the drydock period.
On Drummond IV, the director reported a routine annual inspection identified minor issues — small oil leaks and a fuel line rubbing — that were fixed and the vessel received a passing grade from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Staff also described operational impacts on the Neebish route after the weekend captain resigned on June 24. EUPTA said two current captains will cover days they are available and Jamie Pringle will fill remaining gaps. Navigational equipment on the Neebish has been replaced and staff mentioned plans to install Starlink service on the vessel.
No detailed cost figures for repairs or drydock overruns were recorded in the minutes; the director noted that drydock work can uncover unknown repairs that increase costs once the vessel is lifted out of the water.
