| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by jakemonkfish at 12:51, 17th October 2008 |      |
Found this on the local news website - it would make a nice change from the train, especially on a sunny day
Link attempted below
http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/news/2008/ferry-service-planned-17-10-08.php
| Bad weather halts ferry service Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:30, 9th November 2008 | |
Strong winds and heavy rain have led to the cancellation of a ferry service from Weymouth to the Channel Islands on Monday.
See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7718578.stm
| Devon to Wales ferry link gets interest from new backer Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:09, 30th October 2010 | |
From the BBC:
Plans for a ^3m passenger ferry service linking north Devon and south Wales could soon be back on track after the project's original investor pulled out.
Catamaran firm Severn Link had hoped to start the route at Easter but delays in creating Swansea landing facilities led to it being put off until next year.
Then another blow was dealt when the initial investor withdrew.
However, Severn Link founder Chris Marrow has revealed that his firm is now in talks with a new backer.
Mr Marrow said: "We've had quite a bit of interest, but finalising something is pretty difficult. However, we are in the middle of talks with this new potential investor and we hope to have completed negotiations by the end of the year."
As well as wanting to run a 50-minute passenger service between Swansea and Ilfracombe, Severn Link is also considering the feasibility of a route between Cardiff and Minehead in Somerset.
The firm has already conducted sea trials of the catamarans that would be used to cross the Severn Estuary.
Catamaran firm Severn Link had hoped to start the route at Easter but delays in creating Swansea landing facilities led to it being put off until next year.
Then another blow was dealt when the initial investor withdrew.
However, Severn Link founder Chris Marrow has revealed that his firm is now in talks with a new backer.
Mr Marrow said: "We've had quite a bit of interest, but finalising something is pretty difficult. However, we are in the middle of talks with this new potential investor and we hope to have completed negotiations by the end of the year."
As well as wanting to run a 50-minute passenger service between Swansea and Ilfracombe, Severn Link is also considering the feasibility of a route between Cardiff and Minehead in Somerset.
The firm has already conducted sea trials of the catamarans that would be used to cross the Severn Estuary.
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by JayMac at 16:05, 15th February 2012 | |
From the Dorset Echo:
Condor Ferries has announced sailings this weekend will be relocated from Weymouth to Poole.
Earlier this week concerns were raised by Condor Ferries and Weymouth Harbour regarding the structural integrity of part of the ferry berth in Weymouth Port.
An initial investigation by the Weymouth Port Engineer has been completed today, and based on this; the berth will be removed from use to allow detailed investigations to be made.
Condor Ferries is contacting passengers affected by the change of port and where necessary helping them to change their travel plans, as well as making sure that up-to-date information is available on its website www.condorferries.com.
Earlier this week concerns were raised by Condor Ferries and Weymouth Harbour regarding the structural integrity of part of the ferry berth in Weymouth Port.
An initial investigation by the Weymouth Port Engineer has been completed today, and based on this; the berth will be removed from use to allow detailed investigations to be made.
Condor Ferries is contacting passengers affected by the change of port and where necessary helping them to change their travel plans, as well as making sure that up-to-date information is available on its website www.condorferries.com.
| Re: Devon to Wales ferry link gets interest from new backer Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:12, 19th February 2012 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Severn ferry plan between south Wales and Devon 'not forgotten'
Plans for a ferry service between south Wales and Devon could still happen despite setbacks, it is claimed.
Severn Link had hoped to start the route between Swansea and Ilfracombe in 2010, and sea trials had been carried out on the catamarans.
Issues over landing facilities and the withdrawal of an investor led to delays, and the vessels were sold.
However, Severn Link founder Chris Marrow said he had not given up and it was still very much a "live project".
"We are still working on it. It's not forgotten but it's quite hard to predict," he said. "I'm loath to give a date. Having almost got started and then disappointed people I'm loath to disappoint them again. We're not talking about this year but, if things fall into place, next year could be a possibility, but it's only a possibility. There's a lot of ducks to get in a row."
The original plan was for a ferry link between Swansea and Ilfracombe, but a service between Cardiff and Minehead was also being considered.
Marine specialist Mr Marrow said that all options were currently being considered.
He said there had been issues over infrastructure, such as the landing facilities in Swansea, and concerns over access at Ilfracombe when there were high winds.
"We are trying to deal with that. If we can deal with that, we could put in a car ferry," he said. "We're working on other things as well. It would be a lot easier if the infrastructure was in place. Having come within weeks of starting and not being able to do so, we have to set up a new business plan and get funding in place."
He said he believed that if the infrastructure was sorted out, then funding would follow. And although the vessels planned for the service have been sold, he added it would be relatively straightforward to buy others.
"The two catamarans were sold. They're with a Russian operator in the Black Sea," he said. "To be honest, it's a buyer's market. I'm getting four or five adverts every day at the moment for ferries. There are vessels about."
Earlier in February, the owners of the Swansea-Cork ferry announced its closure with the loss of 78 jobs, having suspended sailings in November.
Plans for a ferry service between south Wales and Devon could still happen despite setbacks, it is claimed.
Severn Link had hoped to start the route between Swansea and Ilfracombe in 2010, and sea trials had been carried out on the catamarans.
Issues over landing facilities and the withdrawal of an investor led to delays, and the vessels were sold.
However, Severn Link founder Chris Marrow said he had not given up and it was still very much a "live project".
"We are still working on it. It's not forgotten but it's quite hard to predict," he said. "I'm loath to give a date. Having almost got started and then disappointed people I'm loath to disappoint them again. We're not talking about this year but, if things fall into place, next year could be a possibility, but it's only a possibility. There's a lot of ducks to get in a row."
The original plan was for a ferry link between Swansea and Ilfracombe, but a service between Cardiff and Minehead was also being considered.
Marine specialist Mr Marrow said that all options were currently being considered.
He said there had been issues over infrastructure, such as the landing facilities in Swansea, and concerns over access at Ilfracombe when there were high winds.
"We are trying to deal with that. If we can deal with that, we could put in a car ferry," he said. "We're working on other things as well. It would be a lot easier if the infrastructure was in place. Having come within weeks of starting and not being able to do so, we have to set up a new business plan and get funding in place."
He said he believed that if the infrastructure was sorted out, then funding would follow. And although the vessels planned for the service have been sold, he added it would be relatively straightforward to buy others.
"The two catamarans were sold. They're with a Russian operator in the Black Sea," he said. "To be honest, it's a buyer's market. I'm getting four or five adverts every day at the moment for ferries. There are vessels about."
Earlier in February, the owners of the Swansea-Cork ferry announced its closure with the loss of 78 jobs, having suspended sailings in November.
| Re: Devon to Wales ferry link gets interest from new backer Posted by welshman at 00:02, 22nd February 2012 | |
More low flying pigs, I fear.
| Re: Devon to Wales ferry link gets interest from new backer Posted by phile at 19:14, 23rd February 2012 | |
This has been going on for years now. many people are just regarding it as "pie in the sky". Setback after setback including failure to satisfy the Maritime Agency.
| Re: Condor Ferries moves sailings from Weymouth amid berth fears (Dorset Echo 15/02) Posted by grahame at 15:37, 6th March 2012 | |
Update, from Condor website:
Sailings up to 28 March have been relocated from Weymouth to Poole due to a structural integrity issue at Weymouth Port. For more information and revised sailing times check Sailing Updates.Poole Lifting Bridge will be operating an amended schedule as of 5 March. Click here for lifting timetable.
| Re: Condor Ferries moves sailings from Weymouth amid berth fears (Dorset Echo 15/02) Posted by grahame at 07:15, 6th March 2013 | |
A further update from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-20577973
From last December (so not new), but I missed it then ...
Condor Ferries moved its Channel Island sailings from Weymouth to Poole in February after structural problems forced the closure of Weymouth Quay.
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said it wanted to reopen the terminal by May next year.
Fast ferry services to the Channel Islands and France are set to return to Weymouth from 17 July 2013.
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council said it wanted to reopen the terminal by May next year.
Fast ferry services to the Channel Islands and France are set to return to Weymouth from 17 July 2013.
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:49, 20th April 2013 | |
From the BBC:
The vessel, which cost ^225,000, produces no emissions
A hydrogen-powered passenger boat has begun operating in Bristol's harbour.
Commissioned for the city council's Green Capital initiative, Hydrogenesis operates 45-minute trips between the Arnolfini and the ss Great Britain.
Keith Dunstan, director of Bristol Hydrogen Boats, says the vessel is the UK's first hydrogen fuel-celled boat.
The 11m (36ft) 12-seat vessel had been due on the water last weekend but a technical fault caused a delay.
The vessel, which cost ^225,000 and produces no emissions, is starting a six-month trial in the city docks. It was designed and built by Bristol Hydrogen Boats, a consortium of local ferry operators and Auriga Energy Ltd.
"This has never been done before. This is the UK's first hydrogen fuel-celled boat," said Mr Dunstan. "We've had quite a few technical problems along the way but we've overcome them all and we're ready to go right now. We've been looking forward to this moment when we can actually say it's running and carry passengers.
"We've been running for a while, trialling it and making sure things are running properly. But I think it's finally ready to go, so we're going to keep our fingers crossed."
Mr Dunstan said a specially commissioned fuel station had been built to create hydrogen to power the ferry.
If the scheme is financially viable, Mr Dunstan hopes it can be extended with the long-term aim to produce its own hydrogen.
| Isle of Wight ferry car deck collapse injures four (BBC News 19/07/2014) Posted by JayMac at 15:35, 19th July 2014 | |
From the BBC:
Three passengers and a crew member on an Isle of Wight ferry were taken to hospital after the upper car deck of the ship collapsed.
The mezzanine floor, which was holding nine cars, was being lowered when it dropped about 6ft on to the deck below.
Three people in their cars and a crew member on the upper deck suffered non life-threatening injuries.
Emergency services were called to Fishbourne terminal on the island just before 22:30 BST on Friday.
Those hurt were taken to St Mary's Hospital in Newport, with the crew member later discharged.
A statement from Wightlink Ferries read: "As part of the usual disembarkation process, after vehicles on the lower deck had left the ship, the starboard forward mezzanine deck with nine cars on board was lowered.
"When it was a short distance from the deck below, it dropped a few feet and made contact with the lower deck.
"A full investigation into the incident is under way. It has been reported to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Wightlink is fully co-operating with the authorities."
The ship, the St Helen, last underwent an independent engineering inspection in May, the company said.
The vessel sailed from Portsmouth Gunwharf at 21:30 with 181 passengers and 11 crew onboard.
Passengers on another ferry, the St Clare, had to wait for 90 minutes to dock at Fishbourne while the emergency services, which included police, fire crews, coastguards and ambulance service, attended the scene.
John Burrows, chief operating officer at Wightlink, said the St Helen was brought back to Portsmouth and immediately taken out of service.
He said engineers and safety officers had inspected the firm's fleet before they were cleared to sail on Saturday.
Mr Burrows, who said he has never known of any similar incidents, added he was "comfortable and confident" there will be no repeat.
The mezzanine floor, which was holding nine cars, was being lowered when it dropped about 6ft on to the deck below.
Three people in their cars and a crew member on the upper deck suffered non life-threatening injuries.
Emergency services were called to Fishbourne terminal on the island just before 22:30 BST on Friday.
Those hurt were taken to St Mary's Hospital in Newport, with the crew member later discharged.
A statement from Wightlink Ferries read: "As part of the usual disembarkation process, after vehicles on the lower deck had left the ship, the starboard forward mezzanine deck with nine cars on board was lowered.
"When it was a short distance from the deck below, it dropped a few feet and made contact with the lower deck.
"A full investigation into the incident is under way. It has been reported to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Wightlink is fully co-operating with the authorities."
The ship, the St Helen, last underwent an independent engineering inspection in May, the company said.
The vessel sailed from Portsmouth Gunwharf at 21:30 with 181 passengers and 11 crew onboard.
Passengers on another ferry, the St Clare, had to wait for 90 minutes to dock at Fishbourne while the emergency services, which included police, fire crews, coastguards and ambulance service, attended the scene.
John Burrows, chief operating officer at Wightlink, said the St Helen was brought back to Portsmouth and immediately taken out of service.
He said engineers and safety officers had inspected the firm's fleet before they were cleared to sail on Saturday.
Mr Burrows, who said he has never known of any similar incidents, added he was "comfortable and confident" there will be no repeat.
| Re: Hydrogen-powered passenger boat takes to Bristol's waters Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:41, 8th September 2014 | |
From the BBC:
Bristol hydrogen-powered ferry a 'vanity project'
The 12-seater prototype ferry operated for just six months in Bristol Harbour
A hydrogen-powered ferry in Bristol has been criticised as a 'wasteful vanity project' by Conservative councillors.
'Hydrogenesis', believed to be the first commercial fuel cell boat in the UK, was commissioned by Bristol City Council in 2010 at a cost of ^225,000.
It ran for six months in the harbour last year but has since been moored.
Councillor Richard Eddy called it a "white elephant", but Mayor George Ferguson said it had "served us well in terms of... environmental credentials".
The 12-seater passenger ferry was designed and built by Bristol Hydrogen Boats, a consortium of ferry operators and Auriga Energy.
It was operated as part of a six-month trial last year, but has not been used since.
"If you want a low-carbon boat, having a motionless boat moored up is a triumph because it's not going to create any carbon footprint," said Mr Eddy. "In my view it's been a wasteful white elephant."
Mr Ferguson, who was elected in 2012, said it would "never have happened" under his regime. "I don't think councils are here to do research and development projects but having said that it was a factor in our submission to European Green Capital," he said. "It has served a purpose but was not good value."
But Richard Rankin from Hydrogen Boats, said it would be "viable" if there was a hydrogen station "in place".
"We had to rent a filling station for six months at a cost of ^59,000," he said. "But we're converting the ferry to run on bottled hydrogen and will be running it next year."
The 12-seater prototype ferry operated for just six months in Bristol Harbour
A hydrogen-powered ferry in Bristol has been criticised as a 'wasteful vanity project' by Conservative councillors.
'Hydrogenesis', believed to be the first commercial fuel cell boat in the UK, was commissioned by Bristol City Council in 2010 at a cost of ^225,000.
It ran for six months in the harbour last year but has since been moored.
Councillor Richard Eddy called it a "white elephant", but Mayor George Ferguson said it had "served us well in terms of... environmental credentials".
The 12-seater passenger ferry was designed and built by Bristol Hydrogen Boats, a consortium of ferry operators and Auriga Energy.
It was operated as part of a six-month trial last year, but has not been used since.
"If you want a low-carbon boat, having a motionless boat moored up is a triumph because it's not going to create any carbon footprint," said Mr Eddy. "In my view it's been a wasteful white elephant."
Mr Ferguson, who was elected in 2012, said it would "never have happened" under his regime. "I don't think councils are here to do research and development projects but having said that it was a factor in our submission to European Green Capital," he said. "It has served a purpose but was not good value."
But Richard Rankin from Hydrogen Boats, said it would be "viable" if there was a hydrogen station "in place".
"We had to rent a filling station for six months at a cost of ^59,000," he said. "But we're converting the ferry to run on bottled hydrogen and will be running it next year."
| Re: Hydrogen-powered passenger boat takes to Bristol's waters Posted by Richard Fairhurst at 20:55, 9th September 2014 | |
From the BBC:
Keith Dunstan, director of Bristol Hydrogen Boats, says the vessel is the UK's first hydrogen fuel-celled boat.
Nope! Birmingham University built one a few years back - a narrowboat called the Ross Barlow.
| Re: Hydrogen-powered passenger boat takes to Bristol's waters Posted by JayMac at 22:12, 9th September 2014 | |
And a university is the right place for such technology to built and funded by.
I disagree with Mayor Ferguson that the hydrogen boat served it's purpose. River transport in Bristol is a tiny percentage of the overall use of public transport in the city. Money would have been much better spent on hydrogen fuel cell technology for land based vehicles.
Bristol successfully won with it's bid to be European Green Capital in 2015 and the hydrogen fuelled waterbus was part of the submission. It wasn't however referenced in the Jury Panel report and only received one line in the Expert Evaluation Panel report. Copenhagen's submission was far more comprehensive with regard to hydrogen fuel cell technology. Their plan is to have all the vehicles used by the city running on either electricity or hydrogen by 2015. Bristol will still be using a large fleet of diesel vans for the foreseeable future.
| Re: Hydrogen-powered passenger boat takes to Bristol's waters Posted by TonyK at 20:51, 28th September 2014 | |
Bristol will still be using a large fleet of diesel vans for the foreseeable future.
And MetroBust. It seems the normal rules of cost-benefit ratios are far from fixed. Reading between the lines, this boat was doomed to the sidelines once the Jury Panel's report had been made, without mentioning it. Had it been given a few lines, then it would have remained in service, trundling VIPs around the harbour, until 2016.
It's a shame, but it was never viable, especially not at the premium price charged for the journey when compared to Bristol Ferries et al, who cover a much wider area. Hydrogen for commercial use is made by using superheated steam to knock carbon atoms from methane, usually at a pressure of 20 atmospheres or so (300 psi). Enough could have been made for this project using electrolysis, powered by a solar panel or Economy 7 electricity. The lack of political will did for the Hydrogenesis in Bristol. Hopefully, all is not lost, and somewhere else can make better use of it.
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:07, 26th October 2014 | |
From the BBC:
Sandbanks ferry suspended after chain break
Bramble Bush Bay is 242ft long (74m) and can carry up to 48 cars
The car ferry across the mouth of Poole Harbour in Dorset was suspended for nearly two days after one of the chains guiding it broke.
The Sandbanks Ferry was forced to halt crossings on Thursday morning.
Operators spent more than 10 hours replacing the chain and the ferry was returned to service at about 19:20 BST on Friday.
It is unclear what has caused the latest breakage but passing vessels have been ruled out.
In July, the service was put out of action when a passing cross-channel ferry was suspected of clipping and breaking a chain.
Work to install a new chain began earlier
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the incident in July although Brittany Ferries said an inspection of its ferry by divers showed no sign of an impact.
The Sandbanks chain ferry, called Bramble Bush Bay, takes four minutes to make the crossing from Sandbanks to Shell Bay. The shortest alternative road route from shore to shore is 27 miles.
Bramble Bush Bay is 242ft long (74m) and can carry up to 48 cars
The car ferry across the mouth of Poole Harbour in Dorset was suspended for nearly two days after one of the chains guiding it broke.
The Sandbanks Ferry was forced to halt crossings on Thursday morning.
Operators spent more than 10 hours replacing the chain and the ferry was returned to service at about 19:20 BST on Friday.
It is unclear what has caused the latest breakage but passing vessels have been ruled out.
In July, the service was put out of action when a passing cross-channel ferry was suspected of clipping and breaking a chain.
Work to install a new chain began earlier
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is investigating the incident in July although Brittany Ferries said an inspection of its ferry by divers showed no sign of an impact.
The Sandbanks chain ferry, called Bramble Bush Bay, takes four minutes to make the crossing from Sandbanks to Shell Bay. The shortest alternative road route from shore to shore is 27 miles.
| Re: Sandbanks ferry suspended after chain break - 23 October 2014 Posted by Surrey 455 at 22:45, 26th October 2014 | |
Incidentally the ferry will be out of action for 4-5 weeks from 3rd November for a scheduled refit.
http://www.sandbanksferry.co.uk/news.php
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:05, 14th May 2016 | |
From the BBC:
Passengers rescued as ferry collides with Hythe pier
Coastguards were called at around 21:20 BST on Friday and sent rescue teams from Southampton and Lymington
Twenty passengers and three crew members have been rescued from a ferry after it collided with a pier near Southampton, coastguards have said.
The ferry struck the Hythe Pier, in Hampshire, damaging its wheelhouse, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.
Coastguards were called at around 21:20 BST on Friday and sent rescue teams from Southampton and Lymington.
Three people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been notified.
Passenger Olivia Pearce said she heard somebody shouting "brace, brace" before the ferry "ploughed into the pier".
She said: "The wheelhouse completely collapsed and bits of it fell into itself. That's when we realised that actually not only had we overshot the jetty but we'd crashed into the pier and we were underneath it."
The incident involved the Hythe ferry, which runs a twice hourly shuttle service between Town Quay, in Southampton, and Hythe Pier.
Passenger Olivia Pearce said she heard somebody shouting 'brace, brace' before the ferry 'ploughed into the pier'
The vessel's wheelhouse was badly damaged in the in crash
According to the ferry's owners, White Horse Ferries, the vessel became wedged beneath the pier and the wheelhouse on top of the ferry was severely damaged.
Those treated at the scene received minor neck and back injuries.
Southampton Vessel Traffic Services, Hampshire Police, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, and South Central Ambulance Service were also involved in the rescue.
Coastguards were called at around 21:20 BST on Friday and sent rescue teams from Southampton and Lymington
Twenty passengers and three crew members have been rescued from a ferry after it collided with a pier near Southampton, coastguards have said.
The ferry struck the Hythe Pier, in Hampshire, damaging its wheelhouse, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said.
Coastguards were called at around 21:20 BST on Friday and sent rescue teams from Southampton and Lymington.
Three people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been notified.
Passenger Olivia Pearce said she heard somebody shouting "brace, brace" before the ferry "ploughed into the pier".
She said: "The wheelhouse completely collapsed and bits of it fell into itself. That's when we realised that actually not only had we overshot the jetty but we'd crashed into the pier and we were underneath it."
The incident involved the Hythe ferry, which runs a twice hourly shuttle service between Town Quay, in Southampton, and Hythe Pier.
Passenger Olivia Pearce said she heard somebody shouting 'brace, brace' before the ferry 'ploughed into the pier'
The vessel's wheelhouse was badly damaged in the in crash
According to the ferry's owners, White Horse Ferries, the vessel became wedged beneath the pier and the wheelhouse on top of the ferry was severely damaged.
Those treated at the scene received minor neck and back injuries.
Southampton Vessel Traffic Services, Hampshire Police, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, and South Central Ambulance Service were also involved in the rescue.
| Re: Passengers rescued as ferry collides with Hythe pier - 13 May 2016 Posted by ChrisB at 13:50, 15th May 2016 | |
Shouldn't this appear in the bridge bash thread?! :-)
Looks as though they tried to go under the pier but the tide was in
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by CyclingSid at 08:08, 12th September 2018 | |
There was an item in the I newspaper yesterday, about a gentleman who got fed up with the delays, up to four hours(?), commuting from the New Forest to Portsmouth.
His solution; cycle to Lymington, catch the ferry to Yarmouth, cycle to Fishbourne and catch ferry to Portsmouth. He did this for some years before resorting to the car (because of ill health?). In the paper because he had done it one last time to mark his retirement.
Wonder how the costs compared?
| Re: Ferries? Posted by LiskeardRich at 00:07, 13th September 2018 | |
A Wightlink season ticket is £1725 a year.
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by grahame at 22:28, 3rd October 2018 | |
The other day we were discussing "Stromeferry - No Ferry" and I recall Kylestrome and Corran ferries .... just one left
From The BBC
Falling tide leaves historic Skye ferry high and dry
A rapidly dropping tide left a historic ferry aground on its slip on Tuesday.
The MV Glenachulish, the world's last sea-going, manually-operated, turntable ferry, operates on the Kylerhea Narrows between Glenelg and Skye.
It was left high and dry on its slip at Kylerhea in Skye during a falling tide on the fast flowing narrows.
Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig RNLI lifeboats along with two passing ships went to the aid of the ferry's crew. The boat was refloated at high tide.
A rapidly dropping tide left a historic ferry aground on its slip on Tuesday.
The MV Glenachulish, the world's last sea-going, manually-operated, turntable ferry, operates on the Kylerhea Narrows between Glenelg and Skye.
It was left high and dry on its slip at Kylerhea in Skye during a falling tide on the fast flowing narrows.
Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig RNLI lifeboats along with two passing ships went to the aid of the ferry's crew. The boat was refloated at high tide.
Did we have any swivel ferries in the South West?
| Re: The last swivel ferry Posted by JayMac at 23:24, 3rd October 2018 | |
Not quite the same but the Aust Ferries, replaced by the Severn Bridge, had turntables on the decks to aid the side loading and unloading of vehicles.
| Re: The last swivel ferry Posted by bradshaw at 08:23, 4th October 2018 | |
Travelled on the Aust ferry just the once, on the way to a shed bash in South Wales. It was an interesting experience.
| Re: The last swivel ferry Posted by froome at 09:19, 4th October 2018 | |
The simple answer to Graham's question is no, there haven't been any. The Aust ferry comes closest, but was a different operating system.
I would put a slight caveat on the 'no', in that historic records of ferries are not comprehensive and it is not always clear precisely what operating system any boat used, but I'm pretty certain none have ever operated in this area.
Most other vehicle carrying estuary ferries, both existing ones like King Harry in Cornwall or at Sandbanks in Dorset, and ones that stopped running during the 20th century, like the Arlingham to Newnham ferry across the Severn in Gloucestershire, are or were chain operated and allowed vehicles to enter at one end and drive off at the other. The few island ferries we have, such as to the Scillies, were drive on and off ships large enough for vehicles to manoeuvre within the vessel.
Manually operated turntable ferries seem to have been a Scottish speciality, used mostly to cross narrow lochs. AFAIK the Glenelg ferry was the only sea crossing ferry, i.e. to reach an island, to ever use this system in this country.
| Re: The last swivel ferry Posted by froome at 09:37, 4th October 2018 | |
I used the Glenelg ferry when I cycled around the Scottish coast in 2005, and it was one of the highlights of that trip. It is the original ferry route to Skye, and its location is quite stunning. On both sides, it can only be reached by small lanes that climb over passes above 1,000 feet high, and on the mainland side in particular, the route up is especially steep. When you are down at the ferry and look all around you, you realise just how cut off that area is from the rest of Britain, hemmed in by mountains on all sides. Habitation is very sparse, though there is a small community at Glenelg, two miles from the ferry slip, and one of Britain's most isolated communities can be found at the end of the dead-end lane that runs from Glenelg south, at Arnisdale and Corran on Loch Hourn.
The narrows that the ferry crosses are subject to strong tides and strong winds, so can be challenging to operate. They also cross an area of sea that teams with wildlife, and when I crossed it was wonderful to watch the many seals that followed the ferry as it crossed, undoubtedly attracted by the fish it was dragging up.
The operation of the ferry is something to behold. When I was there, the operator would walk round the turntable on the outside of the safety railing as it turned while the boat was crossing. I would imagine Elf and Safety would not have been happy with this, but their eyes would have been transfixed by the views all around and the feel of the wind and smell of the sea, which made the crossing quite magical.
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by grahame at 15:26, 21st October 2018 | |
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-45932147
A ferry has hit several yachts and run aground off the Isle of Wight.
The Red Falcon "came into contact" with a number of boats while trying to berth at Cowes Harbour, operator Red Funnel said.
None of the 40 passengers onboard were hurt, a spokesman said. The Coastguard confirmed nobody is missing or in the water.
The Red Falcon "came into contact" with a number of boats while trying to berth at Cowes Harbour, operator Red Funnel said.
None of the 40 passengers onboard were hurt, a spokesman said. The Coastguard confirmed nobody is missing or in the water.
| Re: Red Funnel Ferry runs aground in fog at Cowes Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:48, 26th November 2018 | |
Q. What's brown and steaming out of cows?
A. The Isle of Wight ferry.
Oh, how we miss those pier end comedians.
| Re: Red Funnel Ferry runs aground in fog at Cowes Posted by bobm at 20:52, 26th November 2018 | |
Only took him just over a month.
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by Red Squirrel at 11:08, 14th May 2019 | |
This video on the 'Fully Charged' channel drew my attention to what turns out to be a fairly old piece of news, but hopefully interesting nonetheless:
ForSea (formerly HH Ferries Group) completes conversion of the world’s largest battery ferries, powered by ABB
Inauguration of Tycho Brahe and Aurora marks successful completion of a high-profile conversion project with ABB’s technology at its heart.
The largest emission-free ferries in the world have been officially welcomed into service after guests boarded Tycho Brahe in Helsingborg, Sweden and Helsingør, Denmark on November 9 for a special inauguration ceremony marking completion of an all-electric conversion.
“We are delighted that the entire system is in place to support the emissions-free operations we envisaged from the outset,” said Johan Röstin, CEO, ForSea. “This is a truly groundbreaking project and the work we have done with ABB will offer invaluable lessons for those following our lead. In shipping, innovation takes time and patience, and we always kept sight of the environmental benefits at stake.”
“This project signals a profound shift for the maritime industry, and shows a path towards zero-emission operations, aligned with International Maritime Organization’s goals for decarbonization,” said Marcus Högblom, Head of Passenger, Dry Cargo and Ice Segment, ABB Marine & Ports. “We congratulate ForSea on the inauguration of these vessels, and we are proud to have worked closely with them to deliver this pioneering solution.”
Source: ABB
Full article: https://new.abb.com/news/detail/10434/forsea-formerly-hh-ferries-group-completes-conversion-of-the-worlds-largest-battery-ferries-powered-by-abb
Inauguration of Tycho Brahe and Aurora marks successful completion of a high-profile conversion project with ABB’s technology at its heart.
The largest emission-free ferries in the world have been officially welcomed into service after guests boarded Tycho Brahe in Helsingborg, Sweden and Helsingør, Denmark on November 9 for a special inauguration ceremony marking completion of an all-electric conversion.
“We are delighted that the entire system is in place to support the emissions-free operations we envisaged from the outset,” said Johan Röstin, CEO, ForSea. “This is a truly groundbreaking project and the work we have done with ABB will offer invaluable lessons for those following our lead. In shipping, innovation takes time and patience, and we always kept sight of the environmental benefits at stake.”
“This project signals a profound shift for the maritime industry, and shows a path towards zero-emission operations, aligned with International Maritime Organization’s goals for decarbonization,” said Marcus Högblom, Head of Passenger, Dry Cargo and Ice Segment, ABB Marine & Ports. “We congratulate ForSea on the inauguration of these vessels, and we are proud to have worked closely with them to deliver this pioneering solution.”
Source: ABB
Full article: https://new.abb.com/news/detail/10434/forsea-formerly-hh-ferries-group-completes-conversion-of-the-worlds-largest-battery-ferries-powered-by-abb
| Re: Electric ferries Posted by stuving at 12:04, 14th May 2019 | |
Here's something that explains how the magic is done - from electrive.com:
The Swedish HH Ferries Group has launched two fully electric ferries named Aurora and Tycho Brahe on the stretch between Helsingborg (Sweden) and Heldingör (Denmark). Furthermore, they renamed themselves ForSea Ferries.
The ocean straight between Helsingborg and Helsingör can be crossed in about 20 minutes with the ferries. The route is run every fifteen minutes, 24 hours a day. At each of the docks on either side of the Öresund a fully automated robot arm helps charge the ferries during loading and unloading times; a process that is supposed to take between five and nine minutes.
On board of each of the electric ferries are a total of 640 batteries, weighing about 90 kg each. They are placed in four containers between the smoke stacks on the upper decks, and yield a total capacity of 4,160 kWh, which adds a considerable 280 tonnes the ship’s weight. Each crossing takes about 1,175 kWh, according to the operators, which means that there is a comfortable buffer between battery capacity and energy requirements. As the ferries will also keep the “old” diesel engines on board, the ships would be able to switch to combustion or hybrid propulsion in an emergency. The batteries can also be charged from the on-board diesel motors.
The budget for the project has cost HH Ferries, or ForSea, as they are now named, a total of 300 million Swedish crowns, or about 29 million euros. The EU contributed about 11.5 million euros for the project. According to the operators, the new ferries will allow them to cut emissions down by about 65%. This will help Sweden’s long term goal of becoming climate neutral by 2045, meaning they plan to be mathematically emissions-free.
The ocean straight between Helsingborg and Helsingör can be crossed in about 20 minutes with the ferries. The route is run every fifteen minutes, 24 hours a day. At each of the docks on either side of the Öresund a fully automated robot arm helps charge the ferries during loading and unloading times; a process that is supposed to take between five and nine minutes.
On board of each of the electric ferries are a total of 640 batteries, weighing about 90 kg each. They are placed in four containers between the smoke stacks on the upper decks, and yield a total capacity of 4,160 kWh, which adds a considerable 280 tonnes the ship’s weight. Each crossing takes about 1,175 kWh, according to the operators, which means that there is a comfortable buffer between battery capacity and energy requirements. As the ferries will also keep the “old” diesel engines on board, the ships would be able to switch to combustion or hybrid propulsion in an emergency. The batteries can also be charged from the on-board diesel motors.
The budget for the project has cost HH Ferries, or ForSea, as they are now named, a total of 300 million Swedish crowns, or about 29 million euros. The EU contributed about 11.5 million euros for the project. According to the operators, the new ferries will allow them to cut emissions down by about 65%. This will help Sweden’s long term goal of becoming climate neutral by 2045, meaning they plan to be mathematically emissions-free.
So this may - perhaps - be the near future of 4 km crossings, but longer may take a bit longer.
| Re: Electric ferries Posted by CyclingSid at 15:01, 14th May 2019 | |
Don't think they will be suitable replacements for our unreliable chain ferries.
| Re: Electric ferries Posted by broadgage at 09:18, 15th May 2019 | |
Excellent news IMHO, electric power is the future and should be used wherever suitable.
I suspect that we will see an electric cross channel ferry within 10 years. Electricity is often used very wastefully on board ship and a limited supply from a battery might lead to more prudent use.
One caveat with electric ferries is the very substantial electrical input required to charge them in a reasonable time, more so if fast charging is contemplated.
With a ferry that runs between say England and France, fast charging at either end of the route should be easily achieved. If however a ferry runs between a small island and a mainland, then the island might not have sufficient electricity available for charging the ferry.
A larger battery that can complete the round trip is then required.
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by Surrey 455 at 21:30, 19th July 2019 | |
Having previously been out of action over the new year, the ferry has broken down again.
A few days ago I posted that it had broken again but was to start again on Tuesday. That date has now slipped to 12th August at the earliest.
From Dorset Echo - Sandbanks Ferry withdrawal a 'nightmare' for business and residents
TRAFFIC chaos could put thousands of people off visiting Studland and Purbeck due to the withdrawal of the Sandbanks Ferry for most of the summer, it has been claimed.
Businesses will suffer and residents will be forced to spend hours getting to work and back every day, according to Studland parish council vice-chairman Nick Boulter.
Now he has called for more investment in the ferry and has urged the operators to be more open with the public.
The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company has announced the service will be out of action until at least August 12.
It will be towed to Southampton for “costly” repairs.
The announcement comes just days before the start of the school summer holiday.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists descend on Dorset throughout the summer holiday, many heading for popular spots such as Sandbanks and Purbeck.
The withdrawal of the service is the latest in a series of problems.
The ferry was not working for three months in the winter and there were further problems in June.
Mr Boulter told the Daily Echo: “We are very disappointed that the ferry is out of action again. It has a major impact on people coming here on holiday or for day trips but also for the local businesses. It has a very serious knock-on effect – it is a nightmare for people trying to get here so sometimes they just don’t come.”
When the ferry is not operating, motorists face a 25-mile trip by road via Poole and Wareham.
Mr Boulter added: “We are concerned as to whether the company is investing adequately in the ferry. They are also very poor at communication. They make no effort to reach out to the public and explain what is actually happening.”
The ferry was withdrawn on Friday and the operators simply said there would be a further announcement on Wednesday.
It said: “The Sandbanks Ferry was withdrawn from service on Friday July 12 following a fracture of one of the main drive shafts.”
“The ferry has two independent drive systems which consists of diesel engines driving a hydraulic pump.
“This provides the hydraulic pressure to turn a hydraulic motor which is connected to the drive wheel via a drive shaft. It is one of these drive shafts which has broken. In order to remove the drive wheel to change the broken shaft requires specialist repairers.
“In order to speed up the whole repair process we have taken the costly decision to have the ferry towed to a suitably equipped repair facility in Southampton to have the work undertaken.”
“It is difficult to put a timescale on how long this work will take but we estimate that we will be out of service until at least August 12. We sincerely apologise to all our valued customers.”
Businesses will suffer and residents will be forced to spend hours getting to work and back every day, according to Studland parish council vice-chairman Nick Boulter.
Now he has called for more investment in the ferry and has urged the operators to be more open with the public.
The Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company has announced the service will be out of action until at least August 12.
It will be towed to Southampton for “costly” repairs.
The announcement comes just days before the start of the school summer holiday.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists descend on Dorset throughout the summer holiday, many heading for popular spots such as Sandbanks and Purbeck.
The withdrawal of the service is the latest in a series of problems.
The ferry was not working for three months in the winter and there were further problems in June.
Mr Boulter told the Daily Echo: “We are very disappointed that the ferry is out of action again. It has a major impact on people coming here on holiday or for day trips but also for the local businesses. It has a very serious knock-on effect – it is a nightmare for people trying to get here so sometimes they just don’t come.”
When the ferry is not operating, motorists face a 25-mile trip by road via Poole and Wareham.
Mr Boulter added: “We are concerned as to whether the company is investing adequately in the ferry. They are also very poor at communication. They make no effort to reach out to the public and explain what is actually happening.”
The ferry was withdrawn on Friday and the operators simply said there would be a further announcement on Wednesday.
It said: “The Sandbanks Ferry was withdrawn from service on Friday July 12 following a fracture of one of the main drive shafts.”
“The ferry has two independent drive systems which consists of diesel engines driving a hydraulic pump.
“This provides the hydraulic pressure to turn a hydraulic motor which is connected to the drive wheel via a drive shaft. It is one of these drive shafts which has broken. In order to remove the drive wheel to change the broken shaft requires specialist repairers.
“In order to speed up the whole repair process we have taken the costly decision to have the ferry towed to a suitably equipped repair facility in Southampton to have the work undertaken.”
“It is difficult to put a timescale on how long this work will take but we estimate that we will be out of service until at least August 12. We sincerely apologise to all our valued customers.”
Previously discussed here..
| Re: Sandbanks ferry out of action again. Posted by Timmer at 21:53, 19th July 2019 | |
What an awful time of year for it to break down just before the school summer holidays.
| Re: Sandbanks ferry out of action again. Posted by CyclingSid at 07:40, 20th July 2019 | |
There is an unemployed chain ferry sat at Gosport.
| Re: Sandbanks ferry out of action again. Posted by grahame at 07:48, 20th July 2019 | |
There is an unemployed chain ferry sat at Gosport.
Do they run on one or two chains? And if two, is the Gosport one of Stevenson or Brunel gauge?
| Re: Sandbanks ferry out of action again. Posted by Surrey 455 at 22:48, 31st July 2019 | |
Unfortunately, the ferry is now out of service for the whole summer. Now expected to resume by the end of October.
From Dorset Echo
Backlash after Sandbanks ferry cancels services until autumn
NEWS that the Sandbanks Ferry will be out of action until October has been greeted with a barrage of criticism from residents, businesses and visitors.
The troubled Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company revealed the latest setback in a statement released yesterday.
Now Studland parish council is calling on the company to organise alternative crossings.
Ferry services were withdrawn on July 12 with users told urgent repairs were needed and that the ferry would not operate until August 12.
But now the company has delivered the blow that it will not operate until the autumn, meaning people will have to drive 25 miles instead.
Parish council vice-chairman Nick Boulter said residents are suffering during the busy school summer holiday due to traffic congestion and he said businesses in the area are losing customers.
“We are obviously shocked about the latest delay but what really concerns us is that there is no alternative provision” he said.
“The parish council is requesting that a shuttle service is operated on the route, which could be served by buses on either side. It would be very simple to do
“We have already noticed that the beach empties earlier than usual because people have a long journey home and for people who live here the traffic in Wareham, Corfe and Sandford is a lot heavier.”
He added: “It is more than an inconvenience.”
Local residents have taken to social media with Sarah Brookes saying: “This is crazy - I rely on this for work” and Anna Waymouth adding: “It is time the contract for this journey was put up for tender.”
Visitor Ann Wright added: “We are holiday makers but feel really sorry for the residents and visitors who are so badly affected.”
The ferry company statement said: “The Sandbanks Ferry was withdrawn from service on Friday, July 12 following an unexpected fracture of one of the main drive shafts and is currently at a repair facility in Southampton.
“We are working very closely with the MCA (Marine & Coastguard Agency) and Lloyds Register of Shipping (our Class Surveyors for Insurers) to ensure all repairs are conducted to Class standards and specification.”
It says a broken shaft and drive wheel have been removed and that a specialist part has been ordered from Sweden.
It added: “We are in constant communication with the manufacturers to speed this process up, as well as researching alternatives. We do not anticipate being able to resume service until sometime in October. We hope to have a much clearer picture of the return to service date next week.”
The company apologised to customers.
The announcements is the latest in a series of setbacks. The ferry was not working for three months in the winter and there were further problems in June.
NEWS that the Sandbanks Ferry will be out of action until October has been greeted with a barrage of criticism from residents, businesses and visitors.
The troubled Bournemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company revealed the latest setback in a statement released yesterday.
Now Studland parish council is calling on the company to organise alternative crossings.
Ferry services were withdrawn on July 12 with users told urgent repairs were needed and that the ferry would not operate until August 12.
But now the company has delivered the blow that it will not operate until the autumn, meaning people will have to drive 25 miles instead.
Parish council vice-chairman Nick Boulter said residents are suffering during the busy school summer holiday due to traffic congestion and he said businesses in the area are losing customers.
“We are obviously shocked about the latest delay but what really concerns us is that there is no alternative provision” he said.
“The parish council is requesting that a shuttle service is operated on the route, which could be served by buses on either side. It would be very simple to do
“We have already noticed that the beach empties earlier than usual because people have a long journey home and for people who live here the traffic in Wareham, Corfe and Sandford is a lot heavier.”
He added: “It is more than an inconvenience.”
Local residents have taken to social media with Sarah Brookes saying: “This is crazy - I rely on this for work” and Anna Waymouth adding: “It is time the contract for this journey was put up for tender.”
Visitor Ann Wright added: “We are holiday makers but feel really sorry for the residents and visitors who are so badly affected.”
The ferry company statement said: “The Sandbanks Ferry was withdrawn from service on Friday, July 12 following an unexpected fracture of one of the main drive shafts and is currently at a repair facility in Southampton.
“We are working very closely with the MCA (Marine & Coastguard Agency) and Lloyds Register of Shipping (our Class Surveyors for Insurers) to ensure all repairs are conducted to Class standards and specification.”
It says a broken shaft and drive wheel have been removed and that a specialist part has been ordered from Sweden.
It added: “We are in constant communication with the manufacturers to speed this process up, as well as researching alternatives. We do not anticipate being able to resume service until sometime in October. We hope to have a much clearer picture of the return to service date next week.”
The company apologised to customers.
The announcements is the latest in a series of setbacks. The ferry was not working for three months in the winter and there were further problems in June.
| Re: Sandbanks ferry out of action again. Posted by MVR S&T at 23:33, 31st July 2019 | |
Is there a rail, sorry ferry replacement service running, able to carry, cars and buses?
| Re: Sandbanks ferry out of action again. Posted by martyjon at 03:09, 1st August 2019 | |
Is there a rail, sorry ferry replacement service running, able to carry, cars and buses?
Get the Army to build a temporary pontoon bridge with a swinging section to allow shipping to pass just like the swing bridge on Bristols Prince Street.
| Re: Sandbanks ferry out of action again. Posted by ellendune at 20:14, 1st August 2019 | |
Is there a rail, sorry ferry replacement service running, able to carry, cars and buses?
Yes for the cars and buses its called a road. Unfortunately like so many replacement services, it's a very long way round!
| Re: Sandbanks ferry out of action again. Posted by Surrey 455 at 10:36, 2nd November 2019 | |
Well they said it would resume in October and on the 31st it did.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-50237292
A chain ferry which helps motorists avoid a 25-mile (40km) drive has returned to service 16 weeks after being removed for repair work.
The Sandbanks Ferry, which provides a connection between Poole and the Isle of Purbeck, was taken out of service on 12 July after its drive shaft broke.
The operator said it wanted to apologise to residents and businesses who had experienced "a difficult and frustrating summer".
It resumed crossings at 07:00 GMT.
The Sandbanks Ferry, which provides a connection between Poole and the Isle of Purbeck, was taken out of service on 12 July after its drive shaft broke.
The operator said it wanted to apologise to residents and businesses who had experienced "a difficult and frustrating summer".
It resumed crossings at 07:00 GMT.
| Re: Sandbanks ferry out of action again. Posted by Surrey 455 at 10:49, 2nd November 2019 | |
And it's out of action again, albeit temporarily.
From Sandbanks Ferry on Twitter
SERVICE SUSPENDED DUE TO WEATHER - We've had to suspend service for a while due to the stormy weather making it too dangerous to run
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by CyclingSid at 07:33, 27th March 2020 | |
I am wondering how small local ferry services are going to survive Covid-19.
Hayling ferry – Suspended https://www.haylingferry.net/
Itchenor ferry – season starts April https://www.itchenorferry.co.uk/
Hamble ferry – Suspended https://www.hambleferry.co.uk/
Keyhaven – Hurst Castle ferry – Closed https://www.hurstcastle.co.uk/ferry-ride/
Mudeford ferry – Closed http://www.mudefordferry.co.uk/
Shepperton ferry https://www.nauticalia-marine-services.co.uk/shepperton-weybridge-pedestrian-ferry/
Hammertons ferry – Suspended http://www.hammertonsferry.com/
Hampton ferry – Suspended http://www.hamptonferryboathouse.co.uk/
Which are the ferries in the area I normally travel round. Most tend to be small family-type businesses (Hayling ferry now owned by a slightly larger marine services company) which provide useful links for the local community and help the local tourist trade (which will reappear eventually). Possibly fall in the gaps between the Chancellor's schemes.
If you are interested in other ferries I believe a comprehensive listing can be found at:
https://charlesclosesociety.org/ferries
I think some of these were probably collated when the Hayling Ferry was insolvent.
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by grahame at 08:24, 27th March 2020 | |
Perhaps some of these are slightly larger ... but in our area, I also think of
Dartmouth to Kingswear
Southampton to Hythe
Portsmouth Harbour to Gosport
Falmouth to St Mawes
Padstow to Rock
Bristol Harbour
Weymouth Harbour
Sandbanks
Cremyll Ferry
Torpoint Ferry
Penzance to Scillies
Ferry to Lundy
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by SandTEngineer at 08:48, 27th March 2020 | |
Some more to add:
Polruan Pedestrian Ferry
Bodinnick Car Ferry (Looe to Fowey)
East Looe to West Looe
Cawsand (Plymouth)
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by eightf48544 at 09:00, 27th March 2020 | |
in ex GWR territory.
The Symonds Yat ferry which swings acroos the Wye on a cable using the current. Carbon free!
Aren't there a coiuple of ferries near Severn Valley stations?
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by ray951 at 09:17, 27th March 2020 | |
East Cowes to West Cowes
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by grahame at 09:29, 27th March 2020 | |
East Cowes to West Cowes
Sorry - couldn't resist. Thank you to the Pioneer Woman for making this image available
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by SandTEngineer at 09:30, 27th March 2020 | |
I searched for a photograph for East Looe to West Looe but couldn't find one......
If you do find one, please, please don't post it here
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by eightonedee at 13:11, 27th March 2020 | |
add - Exmouth to Starcross and Topsham to Exminster Marshes. When I last used the latter, we had to wait because the ferryman suspended the service to rescue a yacht that had broken free from its mooring and was drifting down river!
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by Bmblbzzz at 13:26, 27th March 2020 | |
Lower Lode ferry, just outside Tewkesbury: https://www.tewkesbury.town/tewkesbury-ferry-lower-lode/index.htm
Just to note Bristol Harbour has two regular ferry services: one runs up and down the river and harbour, while the other runs across the harbour more or less opposite the SS Great Britain.
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by Bmblbzzz at 13:32, 27th March 2020 | |
Depending how far back you want to go, there are loads of places where the road layout indicates there must have been a small ferry at one point. For instance this one, also not far from Tewkesbury. No idea when it last ran:
https://www.streetmap.co.uk/idld.srf?X=390672&Y=236601&A=Y&Z=120&lm=1
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by SandTEngineer at 14:26, 27th March 2020 | |
A few more lesser known ones:
Instow to Appledore (Torridge Estuary)
Gillan to St Anthony (Gillan Creek)
Helford River
St Mawes to Place Creek
Plymouth Sutton Harbour to Mount Batten Park
Wembury Point to Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo (River Yealm)
Shaldon to Teignmouth (River Teign) (This is England's longest-running passenger ferry, with written records of the ferry dating back to 1296)
Turf/Topsham (River Exe)
Weymouth Harbour
| Re: Loss of small passenger ferries Posted by Reginald25 at 15:25, 27th March 2020 | |
There must be numerous small ones, particularly those of pedestrians such as that at Christchurch. The definition of small appears here to be crossing a river or estuary where there is an alternative land route. Looking at the lists that have been identified, there are significant ones that are unlikely to fail, mainly those for vehicles. To the lists above I might add the Woolwich ferry, one that I know well, and of course the Ferry cross the Mersey!
Smaller ones like the Weymouth ferry are really not essential, but if it keeps someone occupied with very little overheads then good.
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by grahame at 08:07, 24th May 2020 | |
From On the Wight
A well written explanation which - although this is a ferry - could be applied to buses and trains too.
Earlier today (Friday) members of a Facebook Group called ‘Restrictions on Isle Of Wight ferries’ sent emails to the leader of the Isle of Wight council, Dave Stewart, voicing their concerns over a possible influx of second-home owners and holidaymakers for the bank holiday weekend.
Some within the Group had tried to book ferry crossings from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight for today, but found the 1pm, 3pm and 5pm crossings were fully booked. This understandably led to concerns that people weren’t heeding the council leader’s message to ‘stay away’.
Investigating further to find out what was going on, News OnTheWight has discovered something that sheds some light.
Understanding the capacity issues
News OnTheWight got in touch with Wightlink who confirmed that capacity on their vehicle ferry crossings has been much-reduced since the Coronavirus lockdown.
An example given is that their flagship ferry, Victoria of Wight, usually has a capacity for 1,170 passengers per crossing.
Since the lockdown this has been reduced to 100, with typically there being only around 20 passengers per crossing. Most of Wightlink’s foot passengers have switched to using the Hovercraft and other passengers are required to remain in their vehicles for the duration of the crossing.
Distancing and freight
Wightlink say it’s important to factor in that vehicles comes in all shapes and sizes and although there may be capacity for say 100 vehicles, once the spacing out of those vehicles is implemented, it could take the capacity down to 50 vehicles.
In addition, freight lorries obviously take up the space of several cars and so before long, a crossing could be fully booked, but well before reaching the new reduced capacity level.
Some within the Group had tried to book ferry crossings from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight for today, but found the 1pm, 3pm and 5pm crossings were fully booked. This understandably led to concerns that people weren’t heeding the council leader’s message to ‘stay away’.
Investigating further to find out what was going on, News OnTheWight has discovered something that sheds some light.
Understanding the capacity issues
News OnTheWight got in touch with Wightlink who confirmed that capacity on their vehicle ferry crossings has been much-reduced since the Coronavirus lockdown.
An example given is that their flagship ferry, Victoria of Wight, usually has a capacity for 1,170 passengers per crossing.
Since the lockdown this has been reduced to 100, with typically there being only around 20 passengers per crossing. Most of Wightlink’s foot passengers have switched to using the Hovercraft and other passengers are required to remain in their vehicles for the duration of the crossing.
Distancing and freight
Wightlink say it’s important to factor in that vehicles comes in all shapes and sizes and although there may be capacity for say 100 vehicles, once the spacing out of those vehicles is implemented, it could take the capacity down to 50 vehicles.
In addition, freight lorries obviously take up the space of several cars and so before long, a crossing could be fully booked, but well before reaching the new reduced capacity level.
| Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by grahame at 08:04, 2nd May 2023 | |
From The BBC
Over the sea to Skye on the world’s last turntable ferry
I have fond memories of using this ferry ... and others at Corran (now a larger boat) and from Kylesku to Kylestrome (now a bridge). We have a handful of ferries in the south west ... Sandbanks, Weymouth harbour, Tamar, Plymouth to France and Spain, .. and I'm going to leave it at that for others to come in and add to the list.
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by Oxonhutch at 08:39, 2nd May 2023 | |
The Kylesku to Kylestrome one features strong in my memory on a university field trip to the Assynt region in 1979. Other ferries well used include the Windermere chain ferry from Bowness to Hawkshead in the Lake District and that from the Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye (now a bridge).
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by bradshaw at 08:46, 2nd May 2023 | |
While travelling to visit a series of locosheds in South Wales in the 1960s we experienced the Aust Ferry and its turntable.
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by Bmblbzzz at 15:41, 2nd May 2023 | |
I never knew there was such a thing. Interesting!
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by grahame at 17:11, 2nd May 2023 | |
And there was one across Loch Leven - http://www.ballachulish.org/see-do/ballachulish-ferry-and-bridge/
The ferry at the Ballachulish Narrows first carried cars in the early years of the 20th Century, at the time they were driven onto planks laid across large rowing boats, and then rowed across one at a time, straddling the boat. Of course, it was not until around 1927, or perhaps later that the current road around Loch Leven through Kinlochleven was completed, so in the earliest years of motoring the only alternative was the military road over the Devils Staircase and through the Lairig Mhor.
As the vehicle traffic on the ferry increased, so the standards of the boats improved, and by the 1960s the crossing was run by 3 turntable ferries, each capable of carrying 6 cars. These operated as roll-on, roll-off ferries, with a single ramp and without the need for reversing. The turntable did, however, need to be loaded fairly evenly to ensure that it turned smoothly.
All this came to an end, however, in 1975 when the Ballachulish Bridge opened.
As the vehicle traffic on the ferry increased, so the standards of the boats improved, and by the 1960s the crossing was run by 3 turntable ferries, each capable of carrying 6 cars. These operated as roll-on, roll-off ferries, with a single ramp and without the need for reversing. The turntable did, however, need to be loaded fairly evenly to ensure that it turned smoothly.
All this came to an end, however, in 1975 when the Ballachulish Bridge opened.
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by johnneyw at 23:17, 2nd May 2023 | |
From The BBC
We have a handful of ferries in the south west ... Sandbanks, Weymouth harbour, Tamar, Plymouth to France and Spain, .. and I'm going to leave it at that for others to come in and add to the list.
We have a handful of ferries in the south west ... Sandbanks, Weymouth harbour, Tamar, Plymouth to France and Spain, .. and I'm going to leave it at that for others to come in and add to the list.
There's the higher and lower River Dart ferries in Dartmouth.....I won't include the numerous foot passenger ferries In the region as I'm assuming it's vehicle ferries that we are talking about here.
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by JayMac at 01:21, 3rd May 2023 | |
Tamar
More correctly, Torpoint.
Then there's Lymington-Yarmouth, Southampton-East/West Cowes, Portsmouth-Ryde Pier, Southsea-Ryde, Portsmouth-Fishbourne, Southampton-Hythe, Eastney-Hayling, Hamble-Warsash, Portsmouth-Gosport, Starcross-Exmouth, Teignmouth-Shaldon, Salcombe-East Portlemouth, Plymouth-Mount Batten, Admirals Hard Plymouth-Cremyll, Polruan-Fowey, St Mawes-Place Creek, St Mawes-Falmouth, Falmouth-Ponsharden, Helford Passage-Helford Village, Penzance-St Mary's, Padstow-Rock, Bideford-Lundy, Appledore-Instow, Ilfracombe-Lundy...
That'll do. Pretty much every non-international/crown dependency ferry service on the south west peninsula. Dart crossings already mentioned.
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by TaplowGreen at 05:17, 3rd May 2023 | |
Tamar
More correctly, Torpoint.
Then there's Lymington-Yarmouth, Southampton-East/West Cowes, Portsmouth-Ryde Pier, Southsea-Ryde, Portsmouth-Fishbourne, Southampton-Hythe, Eastney-Hayling, Hamble-Warsash, Portsmouth-Gosport, Starcross-Exmouth, Teignmouth-Shaldon, Salcombe-East Portlemouth, Plymouth-Mount Batten, Admirals Hard Plymouth-Cremyll, Polruan-Fowey, St Mawes-Place Creek, St Mawes-Falmouth, Falmouth-Ponsharden, Helford Passage-Helford Village, Penzance-St Mary's, Padstow-Rock, Bideford-Lundy, Appledore-Instow, Ilfracombe-Lundy...
That'll do. Pretty much every non-international/crown dependency ferry service on the south west peninsula. Dart crossings already mentioned.
You missed out Bryan!
Torpoint Ferry is more correctly called a floating bridge...........and is called quite a few other things by locals when one or more of them break down or aren't running!
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by CyclingSid at 06:51, 3rd May 2023 | |
If you have got as far as Eastney-Hayling I would add the Itchenor ferry. Nice pub at Itchenor on the road down to the ferry, and check the tides if you want to cycle/walk to Bosham the other side, the road can be flooded at high tide.
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by johnneyw at 11:04, 3rd May 2023 | |
The Salcombe-East Portsmouth ferry is all year round but there are seasonal ferries for Salcombe-Kingsbridge and Salcombe-South Sands (with it amphibious landing stage).
Would the Bigbury on Sea - Burgh Island sea tractor count? It's all year round I believe. I think that there's still a seasonal ferry at nearby Bantham too.
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by bradshaw at 14:12, 3rd May 2023 | |
Marazion & St. Michael’s Mount
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by froome at 16:04, 3rd May 2023 | |
This is the Kylerhea to Glenelg ferry, which I also have fond memories of. The location is stunning, high mountains all around and much wildlife in the turbulent waters. The ferry operation is extraordinary to watch as they turn the turntable around in midstream.
To reach it involves climbing over 1,000 feet up narrow mountain passes on both sides. I cycled this route and it was wonderful, as was the b&b in Glenelg which had one of the most helpful landladies I have ever met. From Glenelg there is a 10 mile dead-end road down the loch (well definitely up and down and running roughly parallel with the loch), which reaches a tiny hamlet in the middle of nowhere, where red deer graze on the beach and the very last terraced house does teas. At one point this road crosses a large scree slope on a 3,000 feet mountainside. Absolutely beautiful and remote.
| Foot ferries Posted by grahame at 12:30, 10th March 2024 | |
A story from East Anglia, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-68428422
Foot ferries were once a vital cog in the UK's transport network, but those keeping these ancient river crossings going tell of an aging workforce, rising costs and an uncertain future.
A few weeks ago, the operators of the Horning Foot Ferry in Norfolk announced the service was ending because of a shortage of volunteers and a drop in the number of people using it.
For those in the ferry world, the demise of the centuries-old crossing of the River Bure was sad but not surprising. It was, they say, emblematic of the kind of issue they face each and every day.
Department for Transport figures show a decline in river ferries usage - down more than 10% from 20.1m passenger journeys in 2012 to 17.4m in 2022.
The nation's foot ferries come in all shapes and sizes, from small rowing boats to large motor-powered vessels carrying dozens of passengers at a time.
A few weeks ago, the operators of the Horning Foot Ferry in Norfolk announced the service was ending because of a shortage of volunteers and a drop in the number of people using it.
For those in the ferry world, the demise of the centuries-old crossing of the River Bure was sad but not surprising. It was, they say, emblematic of the kind of issue they face each and every day.
Department for Transport figures show a decline in river ferries usage - down more than 10% from 20.1m passenger journeys in 2012 to 17.4m in 2022.
The nation's foot ferries come in all shapes and sizes, from small rowing boats to large motor-powered vessels carrying dozens of passengers at a time.
One wonders at the regulation and control systems that allow the DfT to maintain statistics like this.
| Re: Foot ferries Posted by Mark A at 13:54, 10th March 2024 | |
A curious way to close the article. If you need to cross water and there's no bridge or tunnel, and you're not prepared to swim, you're going to need a ferry. (Also, gauging the need for a ferry or bridge from the number of people swimming the river... not the best approach to the issue, that...)
Mark
'So what is the future for ferries like Mr Zemann's?
"There's an endless [list of] ferries which have closed," he says.
And yet there is something "old school" about foot ferries, he says, like vinyl records or artisanal goods that might just be in their favour.
Being on the water, he says, gives people a completely different and memorable experience of a place - the type of "cool" mentioned by teacher Mr Hunt.
"I really think these things will come back again," Mr Zemann says. "But I think with a bit of clever marketing loads more ferries could work.
"I don't think it has to be the end."'[/list]
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by CyclingSid at 14:17, 10th March 2024 | |
Very much East Anglia orientated
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-68428422
but I do wonder about the smaller ferries. Is the limit for MCA inspections 12 persons, which would put the Haying ferry at risk? Not sure what the capacity on the Hamble and Itchenor ferries. The Gosport ferry only runs one boat on weekends now.
I get the impression that the Shepperton ferry, on the Thames, is largely a one man band. This is the most upstream ferry, so all the foot ferries in Berkshire and Oxfordshire have presumably (long?) gone. Have not been on other small Thames ferries.
Hammertons near Richmond only operates 10:00 - 18:00 so was never into the commuter market. Hampton ferry is only seasonal.
How is the situation further west coastal?
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by Oxonhutch at 16:19, 10th March 2024 | |
There are a couple of survivors on the Manchester Ship Canal where the free foot ferry (bankrolled by Peel Ports - the canal owner) proved access between public footpaths that were bisected on its construction in the 1890s.
Mods: this (and maybe some above) may be better placed in the foot ferry thread.
| Re: Foot ferries Posted by ChrisB at 19:06, 10th March 2024 | |
Add to this list the Gravesend to Tilbury Foot & cycle ferry across the Thames. Last service March 31st. Thurrock Council pulled their support & Kent couldn't afford it on their own.
https://www.jetstreamtours.com/about-us/news
| Re: Foot ferries Posted by Mark A at 21:13, 10th March 2024 | |
Ouch, that's going to hurt.
Mark
| Re: Foot ferries Posted by grahame at 08:50, 4th May 2024 | |
Add to this list the Gravesend to Tilbury Foot & cycle ferry across the Thames. Last service March 31st. Thurrock Council pulled their support & Kent couldn't afford it on their own.
https://www.jetstreamtours.com/about-us/news
https://www.jetstreamtours.com/about-us/news
Ouch, that's going to hurt.
Mark
Mark
It's gone - and businesses are hurting, let alone (no doubt) the people who made the 100,000 journeys per year
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/gravesend/news/struggling-business-owners-call-for-ferry-s-return-305903/
https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/jetstream-ferry-sail-between-gravesend-9197556
| Re: Foot ferries Posted by froome at 11:30, 5th May 2024 | |
In the Domesday Book two ferries were recorded crossing here, and for much of the time since there were several ferries crossing. Gravesend Town Council bought the ferry rights in the 1600s and the commander of the fort at Tilbury also managed to gain ferry rights, so until the 19th century two ferries crossed here, one run from each bank. There was a vehicle ferry crossing until 1964 and various proposals for a tunnel to be built from the early 19th century onwards, but this was always considered to be too expensive.
It is a real tragedy that this crossing has now closed. Let's hope funding can be found to get it reinstated soon.
| Re: Swivel Ferries Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:28, 30th June 2024 | |
Mods: this (and maybe some above) may be better placed in the foot ferry thread.
I give in: I'm merging them all into one hopefully definitive 'ferries' topic.
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:17, 1st July 2024 | |
Now done.
Whenever possible, I've preserved the original topic headings here, for clarity and context.
I hope, as ever, that this helps.
CfN
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by JayMac at 21:02, 1st July 2024 | |
Finn and I had a couple of rides on this one last week. It was actually working for a change. Fighting a very strong current on the River Medina, I hadn't realised the chain ferry had side thrusters to help with lining up with the slipways against tidal flows.
Edit. The video thumbnail was chosen by YouTube. A little disconcerting that the AI and algorithms chose him without prompt. Should I be worried about Finn's personal data?!
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by bobm at 21:15, 1st July 2024 | |
That was in between a trip on an open top bus, a visit to a distillery, a pub - oh and a coffee!
One plus point. The burger in the distillery pub didn’t come in the ubiquitous brioche bun.
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:20, 1st July 2024 | |
How does Finn cope with all that intake?
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by grahame at 23:17, 1st July 2024 | |
Finn and I had a couple of rides on this one last week. It was actually working for a change. Fighting a very strong current on the River Medina, I hadn't realised the chain ferry had side thrusters to help with lining up with the slipways against tidal flows.
So that's like a transporter bridge on the water and not suspended above it?
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by JayMac at 23:56, 1st July 2024 | |
The Cowes chain ferry has always been known as the Floating Bridge.
The first vessel began service in 1859. Commissioned by the Floating Bridge Company. That company was later purchased by The Isle of Wight Steam Packet Company (today's Red Funnel) who commissioned the second and third vessels in 1882 and 1896.
In 1909 the ferry service was taken over by the local authorities West & East Cowes Urban Councils, passing to successor authorities, Medina Borough Council in 1974, and Isle of Wight Council in 1995.
There have been six vessels under local authority ownership. 'Named' Bridge No.1 to Bridge No.6. The latest, Bridge No.6, entered service in 2017 but, after a catalogue of faults, groundings, and failures, it was announced in March 2024 that it would be replaced.
When Bridge No.6 was due to enter service, Isle of Wight Council sought suggestions from residents to give it a proper name. A petition for Floaty McFloatface garnered over 2,000 signatures. The naming competition was postponed by local elections in 2017 and was never restarted after problems with the vessel started becoming apparent. The vessel remains Bridge No.6. A bridge too far?
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by bobm at 07:51, 2nd July 2024 | |
The current bridge has proved so unreliable there are now electronic road signs on the outskirts of the town advising whether it is in operation or not. This has saved council staff going out with A-boards everytime the service is suspended.
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by chuffed at 08:18, 2nd July 2024 | |
Could this be the start of a lucrative Youtube career for the ubiquitous Finn ?
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by JayMac at 17:24, 3rd July 2024 | |
I've just learnt of another ferry service in the UK thanks to a YouTube channel I subscribe to - Auto Shenanigans. Which incidentally is a great channel if you want to learn quirky facts about the motorways and roads of the UK. Just the right balance of nerdiness and humour I enjoy. The channel features occasional diversions such as this video about an amphibious ferry that crosses the mouth of the River Towy in south west Wales, between Ferryside and Llansteffan.
And the amphibious ferry's website.
https://www.carmarthenbayferries.co.uk/
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by Western Pathfinder at 21:18, 3rd July 2024 | |
And there is a button expressly for the purpose so I've pressed it Jay
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by JayMac at 23:09, 4th July 2024 | |
And there is a button expressly for the purpose so I've pressed it Jay
That's hwicked, sweet, awesome.
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:26, 18th November 2024 | |
From the BBC:
Islanders bid a fond farewell to MV Hebridean Isles
One of Scotland's oldest lifeline ferries has been retired after nearly 40 years of service.
With two blasts of its horn, MV Hebridean Isles bade farewell as it left the quay at Stornoway for a final time on Sunday, bound for Glasgow before it goes to the breakers.
For islanders, whose lives are so interwoven with the sea, the ships of Britain's biggest ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne are more than just large lumps of steel and aluminium.
"Heb Isles" leaves behind a ship-shaped hole in the hearts of many former passengers and seafarers who have come to regard it as a trusty old friend.
The ship was given the name of the islands it was destined to serve on a sunny day in July 1985 at the long-gone Cochrane shipyard at Selby, North Yorkshire.
It was a first on two counts - the "lady sponsor" the Duchess of Kent was the first member of the Royal Family to name a CalMac vessel. And it was the ferry operator's first vessel built outside of Scotland. Two pipers were sent down to play the Skye Boat Song at the launch ceremony.
Margaret Thatcher was in No 10, Sister Sledge was Number One in the charts - and health and safety rules were somewhat more relaxed than today. Shipyard workers hammered away the last supporting "shores" and wedges, then ducked and dashed for cover as the huge vessel slid above their heads in a spectacular sideways launch into the River Ouse.
The ship had cost £5.5m - and after a few months of fitting out, it made its maiden voyage off Scotland's west coast in December. For 15 years it was deployed on the "Uig Triangle" - between Skye, North Uist and Harris - before moving to the Islay crossing, but it has served most of Scotland's sea routes in its time.
Aside from the scheduled sailings, the crew would voluntarily give up their time to put on special "booze cruises" to raise money for island charities. The first, in 1992, saw a country and western band perform on the car deck, as thousands of pounds were raised to help purchase a breast cancer scanner for the Western Isles.
(News article continues, with more images)
One of Scotland's oldest lifeline ferries has been retired after nearly 40 years of service.
With two blasts of its horn, MV Hebridean Isles bade farewell as it left the quay at Stornoway for a final time on Sunday, bound for Glasgow before it goes to the breakers.
For islanders, whose lives are so interwoven with the sea, the ships of Britain's biggest ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne are more than just large lumps of steel and aluminium.
"Heb Isles" leaves behind a ship-shaped hole in the hearts of many former passengers and seafarers who have come to regard it as a trusty old friend.
The ship was given the name of the islands it was destined to serve on a sunny day in July 1985 at the long-gone Cochrane shipyard at Selby, North Yorkshire.
It was a first on two counts - the "lady sponsor" the Duchess of Kent was the first member of the Royal Family to name a CalMac vessel. And it was the ferry operator's first vessel built outside of Scotland. Two pipers were sent down to play the Skye Boat Song at the launch ceremony.
Margaret Thatcher was in No 10, Sister Sledge was Number One in the charts - and health and safety rules were somewhat more relaxed than today. Shipyard workers hammered away the last supporting "shores" and wedges, then ducked and dashed for cover as the huge vessel slid above their heads in a spectacular sideways launch into the River Ouse.
The ship had cost £5.5m - and after a few months of fitting out, it made its maiden voyage off Scotland's west coast in December. For 15 years it was deployed on the "Uig Triangle" - between Skye, North Uist and Harris - before moving to the Islay crossing, but it has served most of Scotland's sea routes in its time.
Aside from the scheduled sailings, the crew would voluntarily give up their time to put on special "booze cruises" to raise money for island charities. The first, in 1992, saw a country and western band perform on the car deck, as thousands of pounds were raised to help purchase a breast cancer scanner for the Western Isles.
(News article continues, with more images)
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by grahame at 15:35, 18th November 2024 | |
Thanks for posting that, Chris. I had ... wondered ... whether I should but thought I was probably the only one interested. RONG! ..
I wonder that they have enough ships left in the fleet - sort of TOC on water limitations, frugality and late delivery of complex new vehicles. New Glen Sannox ... when?
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by froome at 03:47, 19th November 2024 | |
I don't suppose Stornoway harbour looks that calm on many days!
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by GBM at 07:57, 19th November 2024 | |
https://stmichaelsmount.co.uk/news/the-st-michael-is-unveiled/
Mostly used for staff runs, rather than public usage.
| Re: Ferries across waterways - whether by vehicle, foot or both (merged posts) Posted by grahame at 10:43, 21st November 2024 | |
Thanks for posting that, Chris. I had ... wondered ... whether I should but thought I was probably the only one interested. RONG! ..
I wonder that they have enough ships left in the fleet - sort of TOC on water limitations, frugality and late delivery of complex new vehicles. New Glen Sannox ... when?
It appears to have been delivered today for entry into service in January - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cew1wxx0d0jo
The long-delayed ship at the centre of Scotland's ferries saga has been handed over by the Ferguson shipyard, exactly seven years after it was launched.
MV Glen Sannox, destined for CalMac's Arran route, is the first new large vessel for the west coast ferry fleet in nearly a decade.
The ferry operator will now conduct several weeks of crew familiarisation trials before the ship carries its first passengers in January.
MV Glen Sannox, destined for CalMac's Arran route, is the first new large vessel for the west coast ferry fleet in nearly a decade.
The ferry operator will now conduct several weeks of crew familiarisation trials before the ship carries its first passengers in January.
