Read Authentic Ratings for the Mf-Marstal

The 'Marstal', which operates the Ærø-Svendborg route, is set to return to service after three weeks of repairs. The ferry has undergone significant maintenance, particularly involving a hub replacement in its gearbox, which necessitated its docking at the Søby quay at the end of March. Excitingly, the ferry will resume operations a day ahead of schedule, launching back into service on the morning of April 11. The meticulous repair work was expertly executed by technicians from MAN and Søby Værft, as well as dedicated staff from the ferry and the municipal ferry company. As a result of this swift recovery, the 'Ærøskøbing' will depart from Ærøskøbing at 5:30 a.m., followed by the 'Marstal' at 6:30 a.m.

In a recent incident, the ferry 'Marstal' experienced a significant gearbox failure, prompting immediate repairs at the Søby shipyard on March 27, 2025. This mechanical setback left the popular Ærøskøbing-Svendborg ferry route in a state of uncertainty, as its counterpart, the 'Skjoldnæs', was simultaneously undergoing scheduled maintenance. As a result, all sailings of the 'Marstal' have been suspended and are not expected to resume until April 11. However, there is a silver lining, as the 'Skjoldnæs' is anticipated to return to service on April 4, three days ahead of its original timeline, offering some relief to stranded passengers.

On January 6, 2020, the 'Marstal' ferry faced technical difficulties, resulting in the cancellation of four scheduled journeys between Ærøskøbing and Svendborg. The disrupted sailings were set to depart from Ærøskøbing at 5:35 a.m., 8:35 a.m., 11:35 a.m., and 2:35 p.m. due to a malfunctioning fuel control valve that required immediate adjustment or repair. This situation posed a potential risk of power outages, preventing the vessel from operating until the necessary repairs were completed. A technician was dispatched to resolve the issue, allowing the ferry to resume service at 5:35 p.m. In the interim, passengers were accommodated on the 'Ærøxpressen' to ensure their travel plans were minimally impacted.