As in previous years we have been tasked with assisting the regular refit and docking work for the sandbanks chain ferry, the Bramble Bush Bay, operated by the Bournemouth Motor Road and Ferry Company. Every few years the ferry must be removed from its running chains for surveys, safety inspections and general upkeep. This year the 74m x 17m ferry has also been fitted with new prows.
The ferry had to be dry docked this year for some maintenance work and Jenkins Marine were on hand to remove the ferry from its chains, which involved the shallow draft workboat ‘Buffalo‘ (with deck crane), small assistant workboats and the shallow draft, 10 ton bollard pull twin screw tug ‘Polmear‘, all carefully supervised by our experienced team.
Once removed from its chains the ferry was towed to be dry docked in Falmouth, returning to Poole in early February to have the new prows fitted.
The chain ferry has now been put back on her chains and is conducting routine maintenance and sea trials ready for another busy season!
A spokesperson for the Bournemouth Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Company 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.”
The ferry is expected to be ready to recommence normal service by the end of February 2023
If you have a requirement for marine operations in shallow or near shore projects, please feel free to get in touch to see where we can help.
