Fogo Island ferry MV Veteran back in service Wednesday

The MV Veteran, which services Fogo Island-Change Islands-Farewell, will be back in service Wednesday, July 6.

After months of investigating the ferry's problems, and several sea trials, Damen Shipyards and Rolls Royce have determined that a lack of lubrication of the bearings caused the failure of the stern thrusters. 

Jan van Hogerwou, Damen Shipyards' manager USA & Canada for new buildings, and Al Hawkins, minister of transportation and works, held a technical briefing Monday afternoon announcing the vessel's return.

The Damen organization is truly sorry for the experience you're going through.- Jan van Hogerwou

On extra costs caused by the Veteran's breakdowns, van Hogerwou wouldn't commit to absorbing all costs at this point but said Damen Shipyards would "work something out" with the provincial government. 

"The Damen organization is truly sorry for the experience you're going through," van Hogerwou said as he apologized to the residents affected by the ferry's problems.

The vessel's warranty has been extended by one year, until December 2017, and all modifications made to the Veteran will also be made to its sister vessel, the MV Legionnaire.

Although the ferry has been plagued with mechanical problems since it launched last year, Transportation Minister Hawkins said he hoped "the worst is behind us."

"It's been a nightmare for travellers, and not only Fogo Island people, but anyone travelling to Fogo to do business or anything," said Andrew Shea, mayor of the Town of Fogo.

"It's been a nightmare, but we're hoping the nightmare is over."