THE NEW £3.2 million Cowes Floating Bridge has been unveiled.


Currently being built by Welsh firm Mainstay Marine, the vessel will not arrive until the end of March — significantly later than planned.

It was originally hoped the floating bridge would be ready by the end of last year or early this year but, due to 'technical and design issues,' the date was put back to mid February.

The Isle of Wight Council said today (Monday) it was now scheduled to be placed on the chains on April 3.

Following trials and staff training, it is due to enter service in early May.

From design to delivery, the project will have taken 22 months. 

Isle of Wight Council executive member for transport and infrastructure, Cllr Ian Ward, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming the sixth floating bridge to its permanent home on the Isle of Wight. 

"Mainstay Marine has manufactured a floating bridge that will become iconic to residents and visitors alike. It has been fascinating watching the construction and development of the project." 

It is anticipated the chain ferry will transport more than 1.5 million pedestrians and 400,000 vehicles every year. 

The sixth floating bridge to operate between Cowes and East Cowes since 1859, the new vessel measures 37m and 180 tonnes of steel was used to fabricate the hull — the equivalent, the Isle of Wight Council pointed out, of 250 cows. 

Designed as a drive through, roll-on roll-off chain ferry with hydraulically operated loading and unloading ramps at each end of the vessel, the deck will have four lanes for vehicles with additional space for the stowage of motorbikes, scooters and bicycles. 

Companies will be able to advertise via posters and television screens in the passenger accommodation and vessels hulls. 

As reported, foot passenger costs will increase this year from £1 to £1.50 and, for saver card holders, from 70p to £1.