News - 27/04/17

River closure and draught restrictions 
The new Cowes ‘Floating Bridge’ will be installed on Wednesday, 3rd May 2017 and will be held in position by two tugs whilst the chains are reeved through the ferry’s drive system. All mariners are advised to take note that the Chain Ferry crossing area will be closed to all traffic whilst this process takes place. A Harbour Patrol Officer will be on the water in the vicinity of the Chain Ferry to monitor and advise river users and will be maintaining a listening watch on VHF Channel 69. See Local Notice to Mariners No 06(T) of 2017 for full details. 

The launch service for passengers will remain in operation during the planned instatement and LNTM 62(T) of 2016 is still in force. A further Notice to Mariners will be issued prior to the Chain Ferry returning to a regular service. This will contain confirmation of minimum clearance depths and any changes to operational procedures that may affect the safety of navigation. 

Floating Bridge to start service mid-May
The Isle of Wight Council has reported that the new Floating Bridge will commence service by mid-May, once all relevant tests, commissioning and staff training has been completed. While it was hoped that the new Floating Bridge would be in service from the first week in May, it has been unavoidably delayed due to critical elements of the infrastructure taking longer than anticipated. Read the full IWC press release of 26th April.

Top photo: New Cowes Chain Ferry berthed at Venture Quays.