Market Testing Underway For Floating Bridge Replacement

The Isle of Wight Council is exploring options for a replacement to the Cowes Floating Bridge, with market testing now underway.

Speaking at a meeting of the economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee (ERTIC) on Wednesday evening (March 19), senior council officer Michelle Love said the authority is “going out to the market to find out what may be possible”.

Marine technical advisor Houlder has been appointed to assess interest in supplying a new vessel for the East Cowes to Cowes route.

The council agreed in October 2025 to move forward with plans to identify a replacement ferry.

Since then, a working group has been established, made up of council members,

officers and representatives from both East Cowes and Cowes town councils, as well as the harbourmaster.

Ms Love said the group meets regularly to review progress and consider the long-term future of the service.

Market testing is currently open and due to close on March 31, with several responses already received.

The working group is expected to review the findings at its next meeting on April 18.

Committee members were also told that funding has been identified for a potential new vessel, although it is not ringfenced and could be affected by wider financial pressures facing the council.

Councillor Nick Stuart, who chairs the working group, said it had been operating effectively and was helping to move the project forward.

Other councillors raised additional points during the discussion. Councillor David Adams called for a viability study into the remaining lifespan of the current vessel before any major spending decisions are made.

Meanwhile, committee chair Councillor Julie Jones-Evans highlighted concerns about the financial performance of the existing service.

It was also noted that the Floating Bridge is currently subsidised by around £2,000 per day.

Councillors agreed that work on exploring replacement options should continue, with further decisions expected once the market testing process is complete.