The Isle of Wight Corporate Scrutiny Committee opened tonight (Tuesday) with a public question about the Cowes Floating Bridge.
Michael Douse from East Cowes had asked whether Floating Bridge 6 (FB6) had been contractually taken over by Isle of Wight council from the shipbuilders (Mainstay Marine) and if so, how much longer does the warranty have to run?
Stewart: It has not been formally accepted
Leader of the Isle of Wight council, Dave Stewart, replied that
“It has not been formally accepted under the build contract pending resolution of the issues experienced with the floating bridge.”
Latest update from leader
Later in the meeting, members of the Committee were presented with a update on the current position of the Bridge – which has been suspended since 14th July 2020 and will have been out of service by more than 13 weeks by the time it returns.
Cllr Stewart said discussions had taken place since last Committee and a meeting had been held with “two ‘described as’ experts nominated to discuss Floating Bridge matters” with Cllr Ward and himself.
He said there was ongoing dialogue and that legal proceedings in accordance with contractual requirements continued.
Side thrusters to be considered
Senior officer, Alex Minns, shared a presentation with members, pointing out the problems with the hydraulic system. He said they’ve worked with the shipbuilder, who had removed pumps, valves, etc and that the repair was a “major job”. The rebuild had commenced and some refitting already begun. FB6 was planned to return to service on 17th October.
Mr Minns said the distance of clearance over the chains had been a problem for some time, that it was discussed with various experts, and installing side thrusters appeared to be most feasible option.
Replace expensive push boat
He said side thrusters would improve operability during fast spring tides and reduce downtimes. They would negate the need for the expensive push boat and overcome biggest problem the IWC has with FB6.
Mr Minns went on to add that eight options are being evaluated independently and a report is due at the end of October which can be shared with interested parties.
The designer and builder of FB6 are cooperating with the council and they are hopeful that some of the financial losses may be recovered. He said it would be inappropriate to comment on any legal aspects.
Push boat costing £97,000 per annum
Cllr Stewart said the cost for push boat was in the region of £97,000 per year, and although the side thrusters would constitute a significant capital investment, there would be a positive impact on revenue budget.
Cllr Jones Evans pointed out some of the many repairs and amendments that have had to be made to FB6 over the years. She asked,
“When are we going to finally realise the design is fundamentally flawed?”
Stewart: My priority is to make sure East and West Cowes get that service
Cllr Stewart replied,
“That is the subject of legal discussions taking place, and if members want we can go right back to the original contracting and signing of the vessel over and take it right through the journey.
“We are where we are, my priority is to make sure the community of East and West Cowes get that service, because I think it is really important to them, but it’s a good and fair question. Am sure the legal discussions will look to ask that question on your and my behalf.”
Lilley: Local economy and families are suffering daily
Cllr Michael Lilley explained that when had sight of the risk register in 2017 (which was dated 2015) it clearly stated there was a problem with the chains. He asked,
“It’s been a flaw within the whole design and the council need to tackle the designers of this, because they built in a flaw.
“Do we have a time scale which can be given to public of at least a service and time cable of long term solution to that service. The local economy, and community, and families that have to get their children, are suffering every day and we do need to give an answer of a short term solution that is deliverable and a long term solution that is sustainable and achievable.”
Alex Minns said the boat will return on 17th October and with the push boat in operation for the foreseeable future. He said the report for the for side thrusters is due at the end of October.
Quirk: Full report, in camera if necessary
Cllr Chris Quirk said once the legal situation was completed, the Scrutiny Committee should have the Leader present everything that has gone on right from the start and what’s projected for the future.
“If necessary, doing it in camera.”
Andre: Environmental impact?
Cllr Debbie Andre said she was very concerned they were looking at this just in the short term.
“What has not been mentioned is the environmental impact and whether the thrusters will affect the environmental status of the river.
“Do we have any evidence that we are monitoring how this is affecting the marine life?”
Cllr Stewart said it was a fair question and that it would be taken away.
Hollis: Were the right questions asked?
Cllr Hollis queried whether the right questions had been asked about the increase in tidal flow in the marina, “that has come consequently because of the breakwater”. He said,
“The question is, were they given the right answer? I can’t believe a marine architect would design something with such a fundamental flaw with relation to the chains. Probably one of the major questions to be asked.”
Jones Evans: has the IWC been saving for next one?
Cllr Jones Evans said,
“In the business case documentation for FB6 it said the IWC should be saving yearly for next floating bridge. How much money have we saved for the next one?”
Cllr Stewart said he hadn’t seen that entry and that she’d obviously seen something he hadn’t.
“If that is in there I will make enquiries and give you a response.”
Cllr Lilley proposed the committee received an updated report at their next meeting.
