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Port staff reports ferry repairs, sea trials and timeline for Pointe Leje landings
Summary
Port staff told the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District commission the MV Bridal remains out of service, sea trials for another vessel are imminent, and repairs to Pointe Leje ferry landings are advancing with deck plating due July 10 and apron welding targeted the week of July 17.
Port staff for the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District reported on the port’s ferry fleet and infrastructure repairs, saying the MV Bridal is out of service at Belle Chasse for mechanical work and that sea trials for a second vessel are expected by the end of the week.
“The MV Bridal is still out of service at Belle Chase due to mechanical issues,” port staff said, adding that “they are working the bugs out of the program, and we are anticipating sea trialing the boat and the thruster by the end of this week.” The staff member said the MV Pointe Leje continues operating between Belle Chasse and Scarsdale landings.
On repairs to the Pointe Leje ferry landings, port staff described completed and pending work: handrails for the west and east aprons have been built and will be galvanized; underside beams and side channel iron have been cut to drawing specifications; pad eyes are cut to drawing; and deck plating is due to arrive on July 10. The port said it plans to tack the ramps by the week of July 17 and begin painting the week of July 20, with installation to follow when materials, weather and inspections permit.
The staff update also noted that the MV Belle Chasse 2 is in sea trials and awaiting U.S. Coast Guard final approval. Separately, the MV Port Authority 2 is at Lacat for repairs after a fire; port staff said they have engaged outside counsel and the port’s insurance representative and are scheduling a meeting to review shipyard repair quotes and claims.
Why this matters: the landings and ferry vessels are essential to routine crossings and local commerce; the port emphasized timelines but cautioned that installation and return to service depend on material deliveries, weather and successful inspections.
Next steps: port staff said they will continue coordinating with the selected contractor to expedite repairs and will report back with updated timelines once sea trials and inspections are completed.
