Government insists that its fleet of fast ferries will be in a state of readiness to cope with a surge in passengers during this summer’s busy cruise ship season.The Ministry of Transport released a statement concerning the condition of its ferries after it was claimed that all six vessels were in a state of total disrepair and represented a potential safety hazard.On Tuesday The Royal Gazette revealed that two of the six ferries were currently non-operational, one of which — Serenity — had been out of action for more than a year. Furthermore, two out of three tug boats are currently out of the water.Marine & Ports sources said the vessels had been poorly maintained for several years and every ferry had maintenance issues of some kind. But, yesterday, Government said plans were in place to get the ferries running ahead of the summer.“A maintenance plan was instituted prior to the end of the 2012 cruise ship season and is being executed,” the statement said.“The plan focused specifically on preparing the fleet for the upcoming summer season and reports from mechanical staff and management are that good progress is being made.”The statement did not reveal exactly how many ferries will be on the water this summer. Government has already announced that it has chartered a private catamaran to cover the Dockyard/St. George’s run in a bid to increase passenger lift and take pressure off the fleet during the busy period.The statement also failed to explain why Serenity has been out of action for more than a year. It is understood the ferry was originally put in dry dock so that more seating could be installed. However, recent photographs show that the vessel’s interior has been totally ripped out, and is now being used to store materials.“One of the major delays in the Serenity’s return to service has been the need to source either new or refurbished engines,” the statement said.“In the last month, four refurbished engines have been located for use in that older class of ferry so that more costly engine upgrade work can be avoided and it is expected that the Serenity will be returned to service for this season. In addition, sufficient engine parts will be available to support Resolute and Serenity’s operation in the years ahead.”The statement did respond to concerns raised by Marine & Ports workers that the department’s management team was not operating effectively. It is understood that many senior posts are filled with ‘acting’ personnel and the Bermuda Industrial Union has been critical of management decisions.“The Cabinet Office is responsible for acting appointments within the Civil Service and acting appointments are common across Government as there are many employees with the experience and technical ability to take on a more senior role,” the statement said.“Acting appointments also provide opportunities for individual professional development and are part of succession planning. With regards to specific posts within the Department of Marine & Ports, through consultation with the Department of Human Resources, the necessary steps are being taken to fill the substantive posts.”