- Isle of Wight’s floating bridge Chain ferry, which was taken out of service almost 4 months ago on Thursday 26th August is now finally back up and running.
- During the lengthy repairs, the opportunity was also taken to make a number of modifications and upgrades to the vessel designed to improve reliability.
A recently published news article in the Island Echo states that Floating Bridge: Isle Of Wight’s Chain Ferry Back In Service After 4 Months.
The Isle of Wight Council
The floating vessel was taken out of service almost 4 months ago on Thursday 26th August. The Isle of Wight Council initially thought that the chain ferry would be suspended for 4 weeks, but it soon became clear that the problems were much more serious than first thought according to an article published in Island Echo.
Modifications and Upgrades
During the lengthy repairs, the opportunity was also taken to make a number of modifications and upgrades to the vessel designed to improve reliability. This includes modifications to the prow which has been the cause of previous failures.
Over the past few days, trial runs have been taking place across the River Medina between East and West Cowes. As a result of successful staff training and the official sign off by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, paying passengers are once again being invited on board.
Revised Timetable
The service resumed operations at 05:00 this morning, however, many sceptical Islanders have been questioning how long the floating bridge will be able to run for before breaking down – as it has done so frequently since being launched in 2017.
Over the festive period a revised timetable is in operation, as below:
- Christmas Eve – 05:15 to 00:30 (next day)
- Christmas Day – 08:00-14:00
- Boxing Day – 07:00 to 00:30 (next day)
- 27th December – 05:00-00:30 (next day)
- 28th December – 05:00-00:30 (next day)
- 29th December – 05:00-00:30 (next day)
- 30th December – 06:30-00:30 (next day)
- New Year’s Eve – 05:00-01:30 (next day)*
- New Year’s Day – 06:30-00:30 (next day)
- 2nd January – 05:00-00:30 (next day)
- 3rd January – 05:00-00:30 (next day)
- 4th January – 05:00-00:30 (next day)
* The last crossing from East Cowes will be at 01:10, the last crossing from West Cowes will be at 01:20
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Source: Island Echo
