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Port reports MV Pride out of service, staff outlines ferry and dock projects
Summary
Port staff told the Plaquemines Parish Council that the MV Pride is out of service while staff seek a replacement drive, Belchase 2 was in dry dock and expected to perform sea trials June 15, and several ferry landing and security-dock projects are in design with construction slated in 2026–2028.
Port staff provided an update to the Plaquemines Parish Council on ferry operations and related infrastructure projects, saying the district's primary ferry was offline and multiple landing and dock projects are in design.
"The MB pride is out of service uh due to mechanical issues," said Mr. Lee, who delivered the staff report. He said the port has extended Point Laash ferry hours "between 5 a.m. [and] 10:30" to help riders while the Pride is repaired and that Belchase 2 was nearing completion of dry dock and expected to undergo sea trials on Monday, June 15.
Mr. Lee told commissioners the part at issue is a control drive for the bow thruster that has been difficult to source because of the equipment's age. He said staff are working with vendors to locate a replacement drive and are considering replacing the entire control board if a suitable part cannot be found.
Commissioners and the public asked whether replacement barges and landing work would be completed before the district's planned electric ferry arrives. Mr. Lee said the barge replacements are expected to be ready before the new electric ferry and that design work for several landings has begun.
Staff outlined schedule estimates for multiple projects: a Point Laash replacement project with construction estimated to begin in 2028; a design phase for the Belchase landing and barge replacements expected to take about seven months followed by nine months for construction; permit drawings and a six-month permit process for a revitalization and repairs project with an estimated construction cost of about $2 million; and box culverts for the Petersboro Road bypass scheduled to go to bid in July 2026. The port noted the DOT is leading certain bridge and road elements.
The update closed with staff saying they will continue to seek parts for the Pride and consider modernization of older control equipment to reduce future downtime. Public commenters expressed appreciation for extended ferry hours and asked follow-up questions about timing and repair options.
