GILIMANUK ~ Freight and passenger services on the Java-Bali crossing between Ketapang and Gilimanuk have been badly hit by the withdrawal from service of four ferries in need of repair.

Long lines of freight trucks have built up at both ferry ports and both bus passengers and travellers with their own vehicles face waits of up to three hours to get on a boat.

Delays are most lengthy after 10pm and because of the repairs to ferries now extend throughout the week.

A port official said: “Queues usually only happen on Mondays.”

The four ferries out of service and in Ketapang for repairs are the Nusa Makmur, Mutis, Darma Rucitra and Gilimanuk II.

Ferry company officials expect the situation to ease over coming days as ferries are brought back into service.