Sandbanks Ferry, that was damaged on its way to Cornwall for scheduled maintenance, is to return to Poole Harbour for the repair work to be completed
The ferry company has issued a latest update and says that the ferry and the new parts, which have been manufactured in Poland, are due to arrive in Poole by Friday 10th February 2023.
Sandbanks Ferry, the Bramble Bush Bay in Poole Harbour in November 2022 before being towed to Falmouth in Cornwall
Out of action since October 2022
The chain ferry service that operates between Studland and Sandbanks in Dorset has been out of action since Monday 31st October 2022 when it was towed to Falmouth in Cornwall for scheduled maintenance.
It was meant to be back by December 2022 but the southern end prow was damaged during the sea journey, which caused a delay to its return.
By the time Bramble Bush Bay had arrived in Falmouth, its prows had been damaged and new parts had to be ordered from Poland
Back in service by the end of February 2023
Initially it was thought that the new prows would be fitted in Falmouth but now the plan is to complete the repair work in Poole with the aim of the ferry being back in service by the end of February 2023.
The company says that the fitting of the prows, along with the safety checks and load tests should happen over the next few days. Due to the ferry being out of service for nearly four months, this will be followed by a range of system and operational checks.
Once the ferry is reconnected to its chains across the mouth of Poole Harbour, there will be sea trials before a full service can return.
The ferry unloading at Studland before the damage occured. It’s hoped that it will be back in service by the end of February 2023
“We are pleased to have the ferry back in Poole”
Sandbanks Ferry Company’s managing director, Jason du Toit said:
“We are pleased to have the ferry back in Poole and are making sure that she will be ready when we recommence service. We cannot afford to rush the safety checks and sea trials as these are in everybody’s interests.”
Further information
- More about the Sandbanks Ferry and its return to service is on its website
