This month the Woolwich Ferry will close down for 6 weeks as we complete essential refurbishment work to the fleet which has to be taken into dry dock to be completed. These activities are legal requirements that must be adhered to before the end of October 2023 to maintain our vessels' license and ensure the continued safe operation of the service for many years to come.

In line with our regulatory obligations and to ensure the service continues to run safely, we need to carry out critical infrastructure maintenance and perform a statutory overhaul of the two vessels. This includes the service and replacement of the motors and thrusters, sewage, fuel and water tanks, the deep cleaning and painting of the vessels as well as the overhaul and/or replacement of key components such as fenders, anchors, lighting and CCTV cameras.

The second of the vessels is expected to be withdrawn around 21 July where we will stop the ferry service completely. To that end, we are encouraging customers to use alternative routes during the service closure, including the Blackwall and Rotherhithe Tunnels, and the Dartford crossing where possible, for inbound Kent traffic.

Service is expected to resume in early September 2023. However, the departure and return of vessels is subject to change due to weather or navigational risks, and we will update you if there are any changes to this timeline.

We will be working closely with maintenance staff and the dry-docking company at Teesside to review the works programme and resume service as soon as we can.

We have begun our planned comms with emails going out to customers yesterday confirming the closure. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Poppy or myself.

Kind regards

Rob Varney

Local Communities & Partnerships Specialist – East Team

LB Barking & Dagenham | LB Enfield | LB Havering

TfL Charities Lead