Havila Voyages unexpectedly cancels a Bermuda itinerary after discovering motor issues on Havila Pollux.
- The issue arose during routine testing of the newly installed motor system in Bergen.
- The vessel will be moved to Stavanger for necessary repairs and further testing.
- This follows a history of technical problems impacting Havila’s cruise schedules.
- Havila Pollux is expected to resume service by May 24th after successful repairs.
In a recent turn of events, Havila Voyages was compelled to cancel its upcoming sailing on the Havila Pollux due to an unforeseen motor malfunction. The complications surfaced following routine testing conducted in Bergen, where the vessel has been stationed since earlier this month for warranty-related maintenance. With the motor newly replaced, tests revealed a critical issue in the bearing of the underwater propeller housing, leading to the abrupt cancellation of the itinerary.
The itinerary, which was planned to commence from Bergen, was eagerly anticipated following the ship’s naming ceremony. However, safety concerns necessitated a pause. The CEO of Havila Voyages, Bent Martini, expressed, “Naturally, this is very disappointing for all our passengers who were looking forward to a unique experience along the Norwegian coast.” Martini emphasized that the malfunction was beyond their control and prioritised passenger safety as the imperative reason for the cancellation.
On the evening of 13 May, Havila Pollux is set to sail to Stavanger. There, it will enter a dry dock at the GMC facility to address the malfunction with the propeller’s underwater housing. The repair process is projected to span four to five days, with extensive testing to follow. Martini conveyed that only after thorough assessments will it be determined when the vessel will resume operations, tentatively by 24 May.
This setback is not isolated, as previous technical difficulties have persisted for the operator. The Havila Castor experienced delays in December 2023, and an earlier Pollux itinerary was disrupted en route to Trondheim. Such incidents highlight the operational challenges faced by the company, questioning the reliability of their machinery system.
Despite these hurdles, Havila Voyages remains steadfast in its commitment to passenger safety and service quality. The company aims to rectify the issues promptly, ensuring that future voyages remain unaffected and live up to the expected standards.
The situation underscores the ongoing technical challenges faced by Havila Voyages yet reaffirms their dedication to passenger safety.
