News - 30/06/16

As recently reported in local media and on the CHC website, the passenger ship MV Balmoral was approaching Trinity Landing in Cowes to moor on 11th June when the ship came into contact with and damaged the southernmost pontoon during manoeuvring. Conditions at the time were favourable with very light winds and no tide.

The impact from the MV Balmoral caused considerable damage to one of the five floating Trinity Landing pontoons. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) was informed and an investigation is currently under way.

Trinity Landing is an important berthing facility in Cowes, particularly during the main sailing season. Therefore, inspections of the damaged pontoon section were promptly carried out by Harbour Master Capt. Stuart McIntosh, with CHC Marine Services Manager Barney Sollars and representatives from East Cowes based ship building company Shemara Refit. The damaged pontoon was removed and towed over to Venture Quays by Kingston Marine Services and an early lift-out enabled a full inspection by surveyors and agreement for Shemara Refit to undertake the required repair works.

CHC would like to thank Shemara Refit for their swift response to this incident and ability to deliver the Trinity Landing repairs in a very short time period by organising additional work shifts. In this way, repairs were prioritised and the deadline met of reinstating the pontoon section in time for the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race on 2nd July, and the Red Jet 6 launch and Royal visit on 4th July.

Trinity Landing repaired pontoon section leaves Venture Quays. Kingston Marine Services vessel Seaclear and Red Jet 6 in background.