FLOATING BRIDGE 6

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Trouble plagued chain ferry suffered battery fault

On Jan 27, 2025, the 'Floating Bridge 6' had to halt crossings on the s the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes for 48 hours due to a battery fault. The chain ferry was taken out of operation after Marine Electricians identified the issue. It needed four new batteries. It was hoped it would be returning to full service in the next 48 hours. A launch service for pedestrians and cyclists was in operation during this time.

Ferry out of service for replacement works

The 'Floating Bridge 6', which crosses the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes, had to halt crossings on Nov 20, while it has some parts replaced. The operator, Isle of Wight Council, said the ferry needed three new guide wheels and a prow ram cylinder. The ferry was expected to be out of action from 09:00 a.m. - 6 p.m., with a launch service running for pedestrians and cyclists.

Troubled chain ferry to be replaced

The 'Floating Bridge 6' is set to be replaced, the council has confirmed. The £3.5m chain ferry, which crosses the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes, has been plagued with issues since it was installed in 2017. The council's executive cabinet unanimously agreed to replace the ship. It will now work with consultants 3S which recently found a replacement vessel would have to be redesigned. Options would be researched and brought back to the council before a new ferry was purchased. The executive body agreed previous information, gathered by the council in multiple reports and reviews over the years, should be used to inform the next stages of replacing the vessel.