Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – The Ministry of Transport Works and Infrastructure has revealed that maintenance works on the Kunta Kinteh Ferry have progressed significantly. Following rigorous assessments on the hull and machinery, including propellers and thrusters, the hull underwent meticulous cleaning to remove marine growth and biofouling, ensuring optimal performance upon return to the waters.

The Gambia Government, through the Gambia Ports Authority/Gambia Ferry Services, took a significant step towards enhancing ferry services’ safety, efficiency, and reliability by dry-docking the Kunta Kinteh Ferry at the Banjul Shipyard on March 22, 2024.

The docking aimed to conduct vital works, including underwater repairs, scraping, removal of marine growth, sandblasting, welding, and painting. These efforts are geared towards installing new engines and propellers to improve the ferry’s technical suitability for safer and more reliable operations along the Banjul-Barra Crossing Points.

Key updates on the ongoing maintenance works include:

1. Blasting and repainting of the hull to protect it against corrosion.
2. Completion of the Bulwark and Samson Post.
3. Painting of the Captain’s Bridge, Top floor, Middle Passenger Floor, and Bottom Passenger deck.
4. Completion of repair works on the exterior, except for underwater paintings.
5. Welding and painting of the Pile End, with the installation of barriers in progress.
6. Straightening and welding of the propellers.
7. Completion of welding on the Front Deck, with ongoing works on the Back Deck step.
8. Improvement of toilet facilities during dry docking.
9. Expected installation of new engines after welding and other repairs are completed.

Furthermore, after the completion of works on the Kunta Kinteh Ferry, similar maintenance works will be conducted on the Kanilai Ferry to further enhance service delivery along the Banjul-Barra route. Additionally, following the contract signing for two new solar-powered ferries, the design phase has commenced for their construction, promising further advancements in ferry services in The Gambia.