Southampton-based ship repairer and marine engineering services provider SMS has completed its second major high speed craft refit in France.

SMS carried out the work on Brittany Ferries’ Normandie Express in Cherbourg on the Ports of Normandy Authority’s (PNA) ship lift.

SMS says that as Cherbourg is located just 75 miles from the Solent, it’s more effective solution for Solent centric operators than ship repair yards in the north east and south west.

John Webb, the technical manager of SMS in Dover, said: “This is the second fast ferry refit that the team in Dover have undertaken in Cherbourg this year.

“Having docked the Condor Rapide during the first half of the year we clearly demonstrated to both competitors and customers alike that not only do SMS have the expertise to complete engineering works in this unique sector but also the perfect suitability of the footprint in Cherbourg for fast ferry refit and repair works.”

The work included structural aluminium repairs, and repairs to the vessel’s under-hull planking and jet room.

Sea valves were overhauled, and craft’s main engine coolers and lube oil pumps were changed.

Other work included fire-main repairs and replacements as well as insulation repairs and replacements.