Discover the San-Pawl: Ratings & Maritime News

On September 4, Islands Unlimited made the difficult decision to conclude the operational season of the 'San Pawl' catamaran ferry earlier than planned. This choice was fueled by concerns surrounding the starboard main engine's malfunction, which risked creating uncertainty for travelers. With the ferry, which served routes between Guernsey and Jersey, along with weekend trips to Alderney, originally scheduled to continue service until October 18, the repair process for the required replacement engine part proved to be too time-consuming. Following thorough technical evaluations, the root cause of the engine damage was identified, prompting the closure to ensure passenger safety and reliability.

Islands Unlimited, the ferry service operator, has announced a halt to operations for the 'San Pawl,' which connects Guernsey and Jersey. This decision, effective August 28, 2026, comes in light of a significant malfunction detected in the starboard main engine. The vessel is currently docked at St. Peter Port. The company emphasized that the temporary suspension aims to prioritize the safety of all passengers and crew as engineers conduct a thorough evaluation of the propulsion system to determine the full extent of the engine failure. As of now, it remains uncertain whether sailings will resume after September 10 or if further cancellations will be necessary.

On the morning of November 13, 2024, a minor maritime incident occurred at Mġarr Harbour when the high-speed ferry 'San Pawl' unexpectedly allided with a nearby boat at approximately 7:30 a.m. The ferry began drifting towards a collection of smaller vessels moored off Triq Ix-Xatt Ghajnsielem due to a brief technical issue. Thankfully, the crew swiftly addressed the problem on-site, ensuring the safety of all parties involved. Following the incident, officials from Transport Malta conducted an inspection of the ferry, which reported no damage. For detailed coverage along with photographs and video footage, visit: https://timesofmalta.com/article/fast-ferry-crashes-boat-moored-mgarr-harbour-no-one-injured.1100945.