FastCat Boarding Point To Temporarily Move During Portsmouth Harbour Works

Passengers travelling on the Wightlink FastCat service will see temporary changes to boarding arrangements at Portsmouth Harbour Station Pier while essential engineering work takes place later this month.

From 18th March until 30th March, FastCat vessels operating between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head will dock at the South End berth instead of the usual North End berth.

The cross-Solent operator says the temporary move is needed to allow maintenance at the terminal, including replacing piles at the front of the berth and renewing the wires used to raise and lower the gangway.

The work is part of efforts to maintain the long-term safety and reliability of the FastCat service.

Accessibility will be affected while the South End gangway is in use, as it is steeper and narrower than the regular boarding point.

Because of this, Wightlink says it will not be able to accommodate passengers with accessible travel needs on the FastCat service during the works.

Passengers requiring step-free access are advised to travel on the Portsmouth–Fishbourne car ferry route instead. Staff there are trained to assist wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

Meanwhile, Hovertravel will accept all Wightlink tickets for the duration of the works.

Wightlink’s Assisted Travel team can also be contacted on 0800 093 8236 for additional support.

Following a review with the company’s health and safety team and vessel captains, pushchairs and prams will still be allowed onboard the FastCat.

However, some may need to be folded and carried while boarding, with staff available to help passengers if required.

Bicycles will not be permitted unless they can be folded and carried due to the narrow and steep temporary gangway.

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

There are no changes to boarding arrangements at Ryde Pier Head.

During the works, toilets on board FastCat vessels will remain closed except in emergencies or for medical reasons.

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

A Wightlink spokesperson said:

“We sincerely apologise to our customers for the disruption.

"These essential repairs will enhance the reliability of the service going forward, and we’re grateful for our customers’ patience while the work is carried out.”