Wightlink will temporarily relocate FastCat boarding and disembarking at Portsmouth Harbour from next week while essential engineering works are carried out at the terminal.
The cross-Solent operator has confirmed that docking will move from the North End berth to the South End berth between 18th March and 30th March.
The change is required to allow maintenance work at the terminal, including replacing piles at the front of the berth and renewing the wires used to raise and lower the gangway.
Wightlink says the work is necessary to maintain the long-term safety and reliability of the FastCat service between Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head.
Accessibility will be temporarily affected while the South End gangway is in use, as it is steeper and narrower than the regular boarding point. As a result, Wightlink will be unable to accommodate passengers with accessible travel needs on the FastCat service during the works.
Passengers requiring step-free access are advised to use the Portsmouth–Fishbourne car ferry service, where staff are trained to assist wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Hovertravel will also accept all Wightlink tickets for the duration of the works. Wightlink’s Assisted Travel line remains available on 0800 093 8236 for those needing additional support.
Following a review with the company’s Health and Safety team and vessel Captains, pushchairs and prams will still be permitted on the FastCat service, although some may need to be folded and carried while boarding. Staff will be on hand to assist passengers if required.
Bikes will not be permitted unless they can be folded and carried due to the narrow and steep temporary gangway. Cyclists travelling with non-folding bikes are advised to use the Portsmouth–Fishbourne car ferry or Hovertravel instead.
There are no changes to boarding arrangements at Ryde Pier Head.
During the works, toilets onboard the FastCat vessels will remain closed except in emergencies or for medical reasons. Facilities at Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head will remain open as normal.
A spokesperson for Wightlink has said:
“We sincerely apologise to our customers for the disruption. These essential repairs will enhance the reliability of the service going forward, and we’re grateful for our customers’ patience while the work is carried out.”
