Advertisement

Sandbanks chain ferry goes for refit

The bi-annual dry-docking of the Sandbanks chain ferry Bramble Bush Bay did not get off to a good start.

The floating bridge, which operates across the mouth of Poole Harbour between Sandbanks and Shell Bay, was removed from its chains on 30 October and moved to the Port of Poole in preparation for its tow to Falmouth for a major overhaul.

A period of unsettled weather delayed the towing operation, which was eventually completed on 13 November by the tug Venture.

However, the southern end prow was badly damaged during the journey to Falmouth, with owners The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company placing the blame on the towage company.

The vessel was originally expected back in service for the busy Christmas period, however this is now likely to be delayed until the New Year.

Bramble Bush Bay was delivered by Richard Dunston of Hessle in 1994 and is the fourth ferry to operate the service.

Report and photo by Kevin Mitchell

Ships Montly - January 2024

New multi-purpose vessels delivered by China Merchants

Nanjing Jinling Shipyard, a division of China Merchants Industry, has successfully delivered the 62,000dwt ultra-flexible multi-purpose vessel Pacific Providence to China Merchants Shipping. The ship...
Advertisement

Related articles

New multi-purpose vessels delivered by China Merchants

Nanjing Jinling Shipyard, a division of China Merchants Industry, has successfully delivered the 62,000dwt ultra-flexible multi-purpose vessel Pacific...

Stena Line set to return to normal timetable as Holyhead Port repairs near completion

Stena Line welcomed a statement from Holyhead Port on 8 May 2025 that, following the completion of necessary...

Damen Cape Town delivers third vessel to navy

Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has delivered the third Multi-Mission Inshore Patrol Vessel (MMIPV), P1573, at Naval Base...

Finnmarken returns for Hurtigruten

On 16 May 2025 Hurtigruten’s Otto Sverdrop will revert to her former name, Finnmarken. Part car ferry/cargo ship and...