An £8m maintenance programme is underway for Wightlink's ferry fleet.

The ferry company is investing in maintaining its eight vessels, including vehicle ferries, FastCat passenger catamarans, and port facilities, to serve around four million passengers safely each year.

The six-month project began immediately after the school holidays.

John Burrows, fleet and operations director, said: "Routine maintenance is carried out all year round but annual refit work on our fleet, including dry docking, is essential.

"Our engineers plan their schedules many months in advance and engage specialist contractors for complex tasks.

"We also make sure we keep Wightlink port infrastructure in good order as it needs to work efficiently in all weathers."

The Lymington-Yarmouth ferry, Wight Sky, was the first to undergo maintenance at Hythe Shipyard.

Works included painting the vehicle deck, new resin flooring in passenger walkways, and a control box installation.

Wight Light is scheduled for similar works in October.

FastCat Wight Ryder 1 is currently in drydock at Trafalgar Shipyard in Portchester, with Wight Ryder 2 expected to follow in early 2025.

All ferries will be successively withdrawn from service for refurbishment until Easter, as per their maintenance schedules.

Each ship is accompanied by a refit captain and crew who undertake much of the work.