Plans Move Forward To Replace Floating Bridge 6

The Isle of Wight Council is on track with plans to replace the troubled Floating Bridge 6, with a working group now in place to oversee the project.

The council decided in October 2025 to explore options for a new Cowes–East Cowes ferry, with the aim of finding a vessel that can carry vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, operate at least five crossings an hour, and have a strong sustainability focus.

Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the council’s economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee (ERTIC), said the authority looks forward to seeing “what the market has to offer.”

Michelle Love, service director for highways and community protection, told ERTIC the council is “on schedule,” with a working group made up of councillors, town council representatives, officers, and two independent marine architects.

She added that preliminary market engagement will begin in February to establish the vessel’s requirements.

Working Group Members Include:

Isle of Wight Councillors:

Cllr Nick Stuart – Chair, Cllr Phil Jordan, Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Cllr Ian Ward, Cllr Paul Fuller, Cllr Chris Quirk, Cllr Chris Jarman, Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, Cllr Karl Love

Council Officers:

Colin Rowland, Michelle Love, Mark Downer, Steve Sandercock, Ann Barber

Cowes Town Council:

Cllr Stuart Ellis, Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox

East Cowes Town Council:

Cllr Tracey Reardon, Cllr Karl Love

Cllr Nick Stuart said:

“I’m very grateful for everyone who has joined the working group.

"It looks like the project is being pushed through really quickly, and we hope to go out to market in February as planned.”

The council says it will continue to work closely with councillors, technical advisers, and independent experts to finalise the vessel specification.