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Floating Bridge Out Of Service And Return Date Won't Be Known Until End Of August

The Isle of Wight Council has announced that the Floating Bridge, which was initially taken out of service for scheduled maintenance in July, will not resume until a date is decided at the end of August after a fault was found with its hydraulics.

The Council said the shipbuilders and their approved contractors have investigated the issue and advised the council that the vessel could not return to service as originally planned.

Arrangements have been made to remove some of the main components of the hydraulic system including the main drive and auxiliary pumps and motors, so they can be fully examined and inspected, cleaned and repaired in the workshops.

This work will commence on Monday 10 August.

This work may identify yet unforeseen faults within the parts and appropriate replacements may be required. 

A programme has been developed with the shipbuilders to carry out this work and by the end of August the cause, extent of the issue, date for completion of the works and return to service will be known. 

Progress on the repairs, and the expected return to service will be closely monitored.

The launch service for foot passengers will continue to operate from 0500 - 2300hrs (0630-2300hrs Sundays).

The Isle of Wight Council said it apologises for any inconvenience caused by this ongoing disruption to the service.

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