Council backs new chain ferry rejecting fix plan

The new ferry would have to run five return crossings each hour and stay at the current site

The Isle of Wight Council has voted to replace its troubled chain ferry, rejecting a proposal to keep and adapt it.

At a meeting of the economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee councillors went against a recommendation by Isle of Wight Council officers to modify the existing vessel, instead opting to explore a brand-new ferry.

The chain ferry that crosses the River Medina between Cowes and East Cowes saving an 11-mile round trip by road has been plagued with issues since it started running in 2017.

The council will now start to look at options for a replacement vessel.

The motion, passed on Wednesday evening spelt out recommendations relating to a new vessel, including it running a minimum of five return crossings per hour at the location of the existing service.

The modification recommendation from Isle of Wight Council officers to retain and modify Floating Bridge 6 at an expense of £400,000 was previously condemned as a "calamitous waste of public money" by councillors Lora Peacey-Wilcox and Cameron Palin.

An updated report is set for the next economy, regeneration, transport and infrastructure committee meeting on 22 January 2026, where a formal decision could be made on the preferred option for the new vessel.

A previous decision by the council's executive cabinet in 2024 opted to replace the £3.5m chain ferry.

Issues with the chain ferry include problems with the hydraulic prow ramps, oil leaks, software glitches, a battery fault and trouble with its drive motor. It also needs to be pushed by another boat during fast-flowing spring tides.