THE COWES to East Cowes chain ferry is expected to return to service tomorrow after routine maintenance was completed weeks faster than in previous years.
The ferry was due to return from its refit at Southampton this afternoon, depending on tidal conditions and weather.
With the time necessary for reconnection to the chains and for final checks prior to re-entry into service, it is likely the ferry will restart public service at 5am tomorrow.
Andy Morris, transport manager with the Isle of Wight Council, said the ferry had been out of service for only two and a half weeks instead of the six to seven weeks that the biannual refits have typically taken in the past.
He said: "This speeded-up process has proved possible following a detailed appraisal of the works previously undertaken at refit.
"We wanted to ascertain how much of it could instead be programmed in throughout a two-year cycle, thereby allowing us to maintain the ferry in service for a greater time for the public."
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