The Cowes floating bridge is due to have a five-yearly full safety inspection which will see it out of service from 7th March 2022 until 22nd April 2022.
The inspection, carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, is a legal requirement for all passenger ferries.
Inspection to take place in Falmouth
The works will involve preparation with the vessel berthed at Wight Shipyard, in East Cowes, followed by a trip to a dry dock facility in Falmouth.
The passenger launch will be available throughout the period when the vessel is not in service.
Jordan: Obviously disappointed this will mean another break in service
Isle of Wight Council councillor Phil Jordan said,
“We knew this inspection was going to be needed, and to comply with the regulations it cannot be delayed any further.
“Obviously I am disappointed this will mean another break in service for Floating Bridge 6, but I can confirm this planned downtime is nothing to do with the existing issues we have been experiencing on the vessel.
“We will also take advantage of this chance to do some other routine works to the floating bridge, such as repainting, works to electrical systems and an update to the on-board CCTV.
“This will not extend the time of the inspection, but it will mean the vessel will not need to come out of service for these works at other times in the future.”
A spokesman for the MCA added,
“The Out of Water Survey, carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, is a requirement for all chain ferries, and occurs once every five years.
“We will be inspecting Floating Bridge 6 as we would any other chain ferry in accordance with the Code of Practice for Chain Ferries acting as a Floating Bridge.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
