New £3.2 Million Floating Bridge Set to Revolutionise Isle of Wight Crossing
Fresh Ferry to Boost Cowes-East Cowes Link
A brand-new floating bridge is on the way to replace the ageing chain ferry connecting Cowes and East Cowes, promising a smoother, faster, and more reliable crossing. Welsh firm Mainstay Marine Solutions Limited is currently building the £3.2 million vessel, which is set to arrive in winter 2016/17.
More Capacity, Better Reliability
Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, hailed the upgrade as a vital improvement for the island’s transport.
“The new floating bridge will be more efficient than the current chain ferry, which has been in operation since 1976. Capacity will be improved to carry more vehicles. Having a new vessel will also help to improve reliability.”
This new ferry aims to secure seamless travel between Cowes and East Cowes for the next 25 years, part of the ambitious Solent Gateways project designed to integrate transport links and boost tourism.
Part of the Bigger Picture: Solent Gateways
The Solent Gateways initiative focuses on:
- Connecting transport to and from the Isle of Wight and the wider region
- Enhancing a vital tourism lifeline
- Upgrading East Cowes public spaces to welcome visitors
Funding talks with the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (SLEP) are nearing completion to seal the deal on this crucial project.
Ticket Tech Upgrade Incoming
On top of the new ferry, a fresh ticketing system is in the works. From spring, travellers can expect ‘pre-paid card’ style tickets, making crossings quicker and hassle-free. New self-service machines will be installed in April for easy access.
Stewart Graves from Mainstay Marine summed it up:
“We pride ourselves on bespoke vessel solutions and look forward to delivering a top-quality ferry on time and within budget, so users can enjoy its benefits for years to come.”
