Ferry serving mainland-Muhu line to be repaired by Wednesday
The launch of a three-ferry summer schedule between the Estonian mainland and Saaremaa was delayed by the breaking down of one of the ferries serving the route.
The ferries’ summer schedule, with its more frequent crossings, was supposed to launch on Tuesday and last through August 20 on both the Kuivastu-Virtsu line, connecting the mainland to the island of Muhu, as well as the Rohuküla-Heltermaa line, connecting the mainland to the island of Hiiumaa, reported ETV’s nightly news broadcast “Aktuaalne kaamera.”
As one of the ferries serving the Kuivastu-Virtsu line, the Iona, was not immediately able be repaired, however, the mainland-Muhu connection currently continues to be served by two just ferries.
Its transport operator hopes to have the ferry in working order again by no later than Wednesday this week.
Once the Iona returns to service, the ferry schedule on the Kuivastu-Virtsu line is slated to be denser this summer than it was in 2015. A three-ferry schedule will allow for 20 departures per day from each port, from 10 a.m. through 8 p.m.
“This schedule, with three ferries serving it every day, will remain in use through the summer — until mid-August,” explained Anu Hiiuväin, service manager of Väinamere Liinid, which operates both ferry routes
According to her, the ferries operate on a two-ferry schedule on weekdays, adding a third ferry on weekends. This year, however, they are scheduled to offer three-ferry service seven days a week.
“On weekends three ferries will begin [crossing] at 10 a.m. and will continue until late at night, practically until midnight,” Hiiuväin added.
Editor: Editor: Aili Sarapik