A ramp on the troubled Floating Bridge is being removed and shipped to Southampton so contractors can work on it there.
Further issues the troubled vessel were announced last week which could impact the date it is brought back into service.
It has been out of action since August and was set to return in mid-November — a date already later than expecteddue to the damage being greater than first thought.
Problems encountered so far by the Isle of Wight Council include a replacement drive motor, the condition of the brake units and the delivery of parts, which is outside of the authorities control.
The latest move will see one of the ramps, which lowers to load and unload vehicles and passengers, removed and taken to a yard in Southampton.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said it was being done to allow works to the rams that operate the ramps.
They said: “It is the simplest and most cost-effective way to undertake the work as it allows the contractor to work on it at their facility where they have all the equipment they need.”
Cowes Harbour Commission yesterday (Wednesday) warned mariners the chain ferry was to be lifted and to navigate the area with caution while the work was being done.
Speaking last week, Cllr Phil Jordan, the cabinet member for Infrastructure and Transport, said unexpected new faults on the vessel had been found.
He said at that stage the council was not sure if the parts were repairable or replaceable but they were bespoke not just off the shelf.
The return date for the Cowes to East Cowes crossing has yet to be set.
The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership has requested an independent review be carried out to determine whether the bridge is fit for purpose and is delivering the outcomes set out in the business case.
Cllr Jordan has previously said the investigation and report, as well as the outcome of the legal mediation, will help the council decide the future of Floating Bridge 6 and whether to scrap it for a new one.
Engine Problems Lead To Yarmouth RNLI Callout To Osborne Bay
Ryde Academy Students Donate To Two Worthy Causes At Christmas
Road Improvement Works To Get Underway From The Very Start Of The New Year
Isle of Wight Youth Trust Benefits From Big Give Support
Council Chair 'Furious' Over Floating Bridge Replacement Fiasco
Fire Service Travel To Island Contributes To Huge Budget Overspend
Department Approaching Completion In Ryde As Opening Date Announced
Guidance Issued Over Sharps Disposal As Waste Teams At Risk
Police Warnings Over E-Scooters Ahead Of Christmas Day
Controversial Freshwater Housing Proposal Turned Down
Rare Mantis Shrimp Discovery Made In Waters Off Isle Of Wight
Man In 50s Confirmed Dead Following Newport Crash
Pedestrian In Hospital With Serious Injuries Following Early Morning Motorcycle Crash
Cowes Stately Home To Have Facilities Upgraded As Part Of Approved Renovation
Ofsted Deliver Glowing Report For 'Welcoming' And 'Highly Ambitious' Island Primary School
Help Available For Islanders To Cut Energy Bills
Cowes Lifeboat Performs Mid-Solent Rescue Of Fishing Boat
Christmas Shopping With A Difference In Ryde – Half A Mile Out To Sea!
Home-From-Home' Nursery Given 'Outstanding' Ofsted Grade
