FastCat Berth Change At Portsmouth Harbour During Essential Repairs

Wightlink will temporarily move FastCat boarding at Portsmouth Harbour while essential engineering work is carried out later this month.

From Wednesday 18th March to Monday 30th March, passengers travelling on the Wightlink FastCat will board and disembark from the South End berth, rather than the usual North End berth.

The work will involve replacing piles at the front of the berth and renewing the wires used to raise and lower the gangway to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the service.

A revised timetable will be in operation on the Portsmouth–Ryde route while the work takes place.

Accessibility changes

During the repairs, Wightlink says it will not be able to accommodate passengers requiring step-free access on the FastCat service because the temporary gangway at the South End berth is steeper and narrower.

Passengers needing accessible travel are advised to use the Portsmouth–Fishbourne car ferry route, where staff can assist wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

Alternatively, Hovertravel will accept Wightlink tickets during the works.

Bikes and pushchairs

Pushchairs and prams will still be permitted, although they may need to be folded and carried.

Staff will be available to help where required.

Bikes will not be allowed unless they can be folded and carried because of the narrow temporary gangway.

Cyclists with standard bikes are advised to use the Portsmouth–Fishbourne car ferry or Hovertravel instead.

Boarding arrangements at Ryde Pier Head will remain unchanged.

Facilities

FastCat toilets will remain closed during the works except in emergencies or for medical reasons.

Facilities at Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head will remain open as normal.

Wightlink has apologised for the disruption, saying the repairs are essential and will help ensure the long-term reliability of the service.