Troubled ferry racks up more costs
A software issue, which caused an Isle of Wight ferry to be out of action for a month, cost the council more than £100,000 in repairs and lost income
It meant the River Medina crossing was out during the height of the summer holidays and during Cowes Week, replaced by a smaller foot passenger launch.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said the total cost was £112,000, including loss of fares.
Contractors installed a manual hard switch system which replicated the essential aspects of the failed software system and needed the approval of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency before it could be on the water again.
The council also did ‘preventative’ maintenance works which the council hopes will reduce further downtime in the future.
A review is currently being carried out on the vessel, costing the council £47,520, focusing on Floating Bridge 6’s last ‘two remaining issues’ and ways the authority could fix them.