Although yesterday’s work stoppage left hundreds of Hamilton-bound commuters and tourists stranded, those planning a trip to St George’s were able to get to their destination.

The Government chartered Millennium ferry, which covers the Dockyard/St George’s route, was unaffected by the action because it has a foreign, non-unionised crew.

As a result, more than 1,000 visitors were able to spend the day in the old town before heading back to their cruise ships in the west end.

Government drafted in The Millenium last year amid concerns that its stock of six ferries would struggle to cope with increased demand during the busy summer months.

According to Government statistics, The Millennium transported almost 100,000 passengers between May and September last year, making 554 trips between Dockyard and St George’s.

Yesterday St George’s Mayor Garth Rothwell said he was delighted that The Millennium had been unaffected by any industrial action, claiming that it played a “critical” role in bringing customers into the town.

“We have had a lot of new businesses starting up in the last few years but obviously they are very dependent on cruise ship visitors coming in via the ferry service from Dockyard,” he said.

“We get around 1,200 visitors coming in on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and this is a big boost for the town. To lose that number of visitors, even for just one day, would obviously be a real setback for a large number of retailers here.

“Actually The Millennium has been very reliable. It has never missed a trip and provided an excellent service and lifeline for St George’s. We’re very happy with it and glad that it has been able to operate continuously.”