News - 29/11/17

The Isle of Wight Council (IWC) stated in a press release on 8th November that the findings from a review into the design, build and delivery of the new Cowes Floating Bridge (Chain Ferry) will be made public in January 2018. 

Alongside the review, major efforts are ongoing into bringing the Floating Bridge back into service as soon as possible. 

Plans are in place to test modifications to the check chain systems aimed at improving their efficiency on the spring ebb tides with the ultimate aim to improve clearances over the main drive chains in these spring tide circumstances that is currently the main chain clearance issue. These IWC trials, which will be assisted by Cowes Harbour Commission, are due to take place in early December and if successful, could see the Floating Bridge back in service in December.

Meanwhile, the replacement ‘passenger only’ service is being shared between Solent & Wightline Cruises and Cowes Water Taxis Ltd. but remains under IWC management.