Texelstroom Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The ferry operator TESO has deployed the 'Dokter Wagemaker' this week as a stand-in for the ailing 'Texelstroom' amid ongoing technical issues. The 'Texelstroom' has been plagued by a series of malfunctions since its return from the yard on February 9, causing significant disruptions to the ferry schedule. Following additional technical difficulties that arose on February 13, the situation escalated on February 18 at approximately 4:30 p.m., when the ferry experienced yet another failure. This incident resulted in a delayed arrival at Texel after 5 p.m. Consequently, TESO opted to utilize the 'Dokter Wagemaker' for the next scheduled run, starting at 6 p.m. Throughout this week, TESO plans to conduct thorough tests on the 'Texelstroom' to identify and resolve the underlying issues affecting its performance.

On January 14, 2017, the ferry 'Texelstroom' encountered a serious technical malfunction that led to two allisions with a jetty at Pepper House, located in Den Helder. The incident unfolded in the afternoon as the vessel, rendered unmanageable, struck the jetty after one of its four rudder propellers failed upon entering the port. While the ferry itself remained relatively unscathed, significant damage was inflicted upon the jetty. Fortunately, the crew managed to regain control of the 'Texelstroom' using the emergency system, allowing it to berth safely with the assistance of the remaining three rudder propellers. After resetting the malfunctioning equipment, the issue seemed resolved. However, on January 15 at 7 p.m., the ferry encountered another steering problem, prompting the operators to reach out to the Spanish system supplier for further investigation. In light of these complications, the 'Schulpengat' was deployed to serve as a temporary replacement ferry while the 'Texelstroom' remained sidelined in Texel. The operator, Teso, also sought information online regarding the technical faults, and it was confirmed that repairs would be conducted under the one-year warranty coverage. Efforts were underway to return the 'Texelstroom' to service by January 18, as the 'Schulpengat' has a reduced capacity of 240 vehicles—100 fewer than the 'Texelstroom'—potentially leading to increased waiting times for passengers. For further information, you can access the Dutch report, which includes photos and videos of the incident: [Link 1](http://www.texelsecourant.nl/nieuws/algemeen/26613/beelden-van-texelstroom-die-steiger-ramt) and [Link 2](http://www.texelsecourant.nl/nieuws/algemeen/26598/texelstroom-ramt-steiger).

JRC and Alphatron Marine have successfully delivered the cutting-edge AlphaBridge system for the Texelstroom, a state-of-the-art double-ended passenger ferry constructed at La Naval Shipyard in Bilbao, Spain. This innovative bridge boasts a fully integrated design, complete with advanced navigation tools, internal communication systems, and comprehensive observation equipment, ensuring a seamless operation. Equipped with captain’s chairs on sliding rails featuring steering controls integrated into their armrests, the bridge also includes multiple workstations that mirror the equipment installed at both ends of the ferry. Operated by the Dutch Texels Eigen Stoomboot Onderneming (TESO), the Texelstroom will be making voyages between Den Helder on the mainland and the picturesque West Frisian island of Texel, located in the North Sea off the Dutch coastline, near the scenic Wadden Sea. In addition to focusing on sustainability and environmental friendliness, the ferry's design emphasizes continuity, safety, and reliability—principles that are deeply ingrained in the company's ethos. The AlphaBridge represents a significant step towards achieving these goals, aligning perfectly with TESO's vision for modern maritime excellence.