The Catalina Flyer may suspend passenger service from Newport Harbor to Catalina Island while its owners install new engines to comply with state environmental laws.
Bob Black, manager of the tour company, says unless he can find a new vessel to lease while his undergoes upgrades, service to Avalon may be stopped as early as September 12, according to the Daily Pilot.
"I'm not thrilled about having to do this, but it's something we've got to do," Black told the Pilot.
A state law approve in November of 2007 requires all commercial harbor vessels to be equipped with engines that reduce emissions. Black hopes to take advantage of a state incentive program that helps boat owners to purchase new engines to meet the requirments.
Black said he doesn't expect to lose as much money since September is the off-season but his eight-member crew will lose their jobs until the ship is back up and running by February.
According to the company's website, the ferry carries hundreds of passengers daily and is the fastest commercial service to the island.
