By Luke Voogt
Port Phillip Ferries cancelled the new Portarlington ferry on Tuesday, in what has been tough first week for commuter trials.
A combination of strong winds and construction works on the Portarlington Safe Harbour forced the company to cancel the service.
The conditions meant the ferry was unable to dock safely at Portarlington Jetty, Port Phillip Ferries CEO Murray Rance said.
“They have closed the entry a bit tighter than we anticipated. With winds 25 knots and above that would have been a bit hairy.”
Mr Rance said services would return Wednesday.
Port Phillip Ferries also cancelled the service Friday afternoon and Saturday last week for similar reasons.
Commuter trials began last Thursday, with “single-digit” numbers using the service, but Mr Rance pointed out the trial had only begun a few days after it was first advertised.
“There wasn’t too many on it, but we expected that because it was the first day,” he said.
However, the ferry has been gathering momentum, Mr Rance said, with about 50 people using the service on Monday.
“That was a lot more encouraging than we thought it would be,” he said.
Mr Rance said numbers on the Sunday service also looked promising, with about 200 passengers using the service that day.
Port Phillip Ferries had taken steps to improve safety at night and was working closely with Parks Victoria, he said.
Mr Rance thanked ferry support groups on the Bellarine for getting the message out.
“We know there are going to be some hurdles but we are very grateful for the support we are getting,” he said.
Port Phillip Ferries will continue discussions with the State Government in the next two weeks, Mr Rance said, in hope of reducing the ferry’s time by 15 minutes.
Australian Project Solutions began work on the Portarlington Safe Harbour in February this year.
A government spokesperson said the contractor expected to complete it next July – six months ahead of the original completion date at the end of 2017.
