Lymington River Association
<
Lymington River Association
Dedicated to supporting actions defending the quality, integrity, environment and sports associated with the Lymington River.

LYMINGTON RIVER ASSOCIATION - MISSION STATEMENT
To ensure greater awareness of the Environmental and Safety impacts and Regulatory facts relating
to the proposed new much bigger ferries on the Lymington River. To encourage all interested parties,
whether leisure related river users, businesses or residents of the New Forest to become fully aware
of the issues affecting them and to make representations to the relevant Authorities.


FBMA Marine Inc. Announce Contract With Wightlink Limited For Two New Medium Speed Catamaran Ferries 04-Apr-2008 FBMA Marine Inc. (FBMA), the Aboitiz-owned shipbuilder based in Cebu, Philippines has signed a new building contract with Wightlink, Portsmouth UK. The order is to design and build two new 41m medium speed passenger catamarans, for use on the Portsmouth - Ryde crossing. This success builds on FBMA Marine Inc.'s new building contract for a 70m Ropax ferry for Scotland, UK, and a 57m high speed catamaran ferry for New Caledonia. The order for FBMA project 1026 and 1027, was awarded following an international tender and the two vessels, due for delivery in summer 2009, will provide replacements for two existing high speed catamaran vessels. The new catamarans, designed by BMT Nigel Gee Ltd, have been configured to optimise both seakeeping and fuel efficiency on the very busy Portsmouth - Ryde commuter route. The vessels have a single accommodation deck with 260 seats and double width boarding access doors, to enable rapid embarkation and disembarkation. Additional features include the incorporation of a dedicated stowage for bicycles and an external seating area. Craig Patrick of FBMA Marine Inc. commented: "This order has been won by FBMA Marine on the knowledge and experience gained from a growing portfolio of successful high speed catamaran projects. This project was secured against strong competition from traditional catamaran builders, and we are proud to have won this order based on both our cost effectiveness and technical ability to meet stringent MCA and EU regulations. We are also very pleased to be working with BMT Nigel Gee and look forward to our continuing successful association, drawing on our considerable experience of building high speed aluminium vessels here in Cebu. We are also delighted at the repeat business from Wightlink, their existing fast passenger catamarans were refitted with us in FBMA Marine prior to delivery in 1997. Principal particulars: Length overall : 40.90 m Length waterline : 38.60 m Beam overall : 12.00 m Draft : 1.60 m Passengers : 260 Bicycles : 20  Speed : 20 knots at 85% MCR UK Flagged - HSC 2000 Cat A For More information contact: Craig Patrick FBMA Marine www.fbma.com.ph craigp@fbma.com.ph +44 2380 510105



WIGHTLINK BEGIN SERVICE WITH TWO NEW BIGGER FERRIES - HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS CONDEMN THIS PREMATURE ACTION
press release (amended)

Lymington Harbour Commissioners


New Ferries River Trials Information Update to Stakeholders – No. 4

Wightlink have defied the will of all the regulators in deciding to introduce their new ferries before the necessary safety trials are complete and the environmental concerns have been resolved.

They have taken this action despite repeated requests from the LHC and their previous undertaking not to do so. They claim that they are justified because of the needs of the Isle of Wight, but the real problem that has lead to this situation is Wightlink’s determination to design and build ferries in advance of meaningful consultations with all the regulators. As a result, all subsequent consultations have taken place against the commercial necessity on the part of Wightlink to introduce ferries that had already been paid for.

We have once again requested Wightlink to desist from this action, and are contacting all the relevant Government Departments for support in preventing it. However, if Wightlink go ahead without completion and acceptance of the risk assessment we will be providing whatever harbour patrols are appropriate to help safe guard other river users. These actions will be taken by the Commissioners in order to minimise any threat to the safety of other river users but without condoning the introduction of the new ferries. It has been confirmed to us by Government that as presently constituted, the Commissioner’s do not have the power to prevent the new ferries sailing.

We expect the full BMT report to be available by 5 March and it will be circulated to stake holders for consultation as soon as possible.

In this fast developing situation, we will keep you all informed as they occur.

Peter Griffiths – Chairman LHC


NEW FERRIES

River Trials Information Update to Stakeholders - No5

There have been a number of developments since 24 February. The Harbour Commissioners have renewed their request to Wightlink to refrain from operating the new ferries until the environmental concerns have been resolved. Whilst they have ignored this request, Wightlink have confirmed that they are operating within the requirements for safe operation that LHC have laid down following the latest recommendations of our risk assessment consultants BMT Seatech. Our own observations confirm that this is the case. 

The draft Phase 2 report from BMT Seatech has been distributed to the stake holders for consultation. This will be followed at the end of this week by an addendum to include the results of the final strong wind trials that were carried out last Tuesday (3/3/09). 

The aim is to complete the consultation process and publish the report by the end of April. 

At the beginning of this process the Commissioners were clear that once we had definitive advice that we may need powers to regulate for environmental concerns, we would take the necessary steps to acquire them. Now that we have received Natural England’s advice, the Commissioners have resolved to seek a Harbour Revision Order that will enable us to make general directions with regard to environmental matters both in response to this current advice and any future situations that may demand such action. 

Peter Griffiths – Chairman LHC

11/03/2009



 




A present to Lymington from Wightlink : By dead of night the new ferry 'Wight Light' crept into Lymington, causing some consternation to those who opened their curtains to find it blocking their view of the Isle-of-Wight. But they will have to get used to it - now there are two and soon there will be three !


"Two ferries, the one on the left "marginally bigger" according to Wightlink"




Wight Light - Open Day - Tuesday 28th October 2008


"The view from the Helmsmans eye position. No view of the area in front of the ship"




Canoeists eye view - completely unseen from the Bridge of the Ferry


"If you cannot see the ferry’s bridge, they will not be able to see you: prepare to die"




Who hit all the Piles?


"Damage on the Lymington ferry berth and matching scars on 'Wight Light'"


Click here to join lymingtonriver








LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
27/06/09
RULE CHANGE THREATENS FERRY BAN: WIGHTLINK HOPE OFT PROBE 'UNLIKELY'
Lymington Times Articles
20/06/09
LYMINGTON FERRY CHIEF RESIGNS
Lymington Times Article
13/06/09
EXTRA FERRY BROUGHT IN: WIGHTLINK SCATTER FILINGS
Lymington Times Articles
06/06/09
EXTRA PATROLS CUT SPEEDING RIVER USERS
Lymington Times Article
13/06/09
NEW FERRY CHECKS TO GO ON OVER SUMMER
Lymington Times Article
16/05/09
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
16/05/09
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
09/05/09
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
02/05/09
MEP URGES BRUSSELS TO PROBE NEW FERRIES
Lymington Times Article
25/04/09
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
25/04/09
RISING COSTS DELAY SCHEME TO PROTECT MARSHES
Lymington Times Article
18/04/09
THIRD NEW FERRY ARRIVES IN LYMINGTON
Lymington Times Article
18/04/09
COUNCIL REJECTS FERRY TERMINAL WORK BID
Lymington Times Article
11/04/09
WIGHTLINK BID FOR TERMINAL WORK SET FOR REFUSAL
Lymington Times Article
04/04/09
TOO MANY PASSENGERS TO SAIL
Bournemouth Echo Article
31/03/09
FERRY REPORT TO LYMINGTON SOCIETY AGM
Lymington Times Article
28/03/09
OWNER OF WIGHTLINK MAY SELL SOME BRITISH ASSETS
Lymington Times Article
21/03/09
CHAOS AS HIGH WINDS HALT NEW FERRIES
Lymington Times Article
14/03/09
HARBOUR CHIEFS SEEK NEW POWERS
Lymington Times Article
14/03/09
"WEATHER MAY FORCE FERRY SUSPENSIONS" Article and Letters
Daily Echo Articles
10/03/09
MACQUARIE SELLING EUROPEAN ASSETS
Sunday Times Article
08/03/09
NEW FERRIES 'TEETHING TROUBLES' AS WIGHTLINK FACES COMPETITITON PROBE
Lymington Times Article
07/03/09
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
07/03/09
WIGHTLINK - 2 FOR 1 DAY RETURNS ADVERTISEMENT
Lymington Times Article
07/03/09
PUSHING THE BOAT OUT - REPORT ON FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Isle of Wight County Press Articles
06/03/09
FAMILY QUOTED £1,112 FOR RETURN TRIP $ SAILINGS CHANGED FOR NEW VESSELS
Isle of Wight County Press Articles
06/03/09
LETTER - SIR FRED WOULD BE PROUD OF YOU
Isle of Wight County Press Articles
06/03/09
TIME FOR A BRIDGE OR A TUNNEL?
Isle of Wight County Press Articles
06/03/09
WIGHTLINK - VARIOUS ARTICLES 5/6/7TH MARCH
Daily Echo Articles
07/03/09
CAMPAIGNERS GO FOR INJUNCTION AS NEW FERRIES START SERVICE
Lymington Times Article
28/02/09
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
28/02/09
NEW FERRIES'WOULD HARM SALTMARSH PROTECTION PLAN'
Lymington Times Article
21/02/09
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
21/02/09
WIGHTLINK FERRIES'DAMAGING RIVER SINCE 1993' SAYS NEW REPORT
Lymington Times Article
14/02/09
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
14/02/09
MACQUARIE BANK OWNED I-O-M STEAM PACKET PROFITS CRITICISM
Ships Monthly Article
02/02/09
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
31/01/09
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
24/01/09
NEW FERRIES: LATEST DEVELOPMENT: Solent Protection Society Calls for River Damage Report: 'Not Our Fault' say Harbour Chiefs
Lymington Times Article
17/01/09
OLD FERRIES GOOD FOR FIFTEEN MORE YEARS SAYS REPORT
Lymington Times Article
13/12/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
13/12/08
SAFETY RULES COULD STOP NEW FERRIES IN BAD WEATHER
Lymington Times Article
06/12/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
06/12/08
WIGHTLINK APPLICATIONS FOR DRINKING, MUSIC AND DANCING !
Lymington Times Public Notices
06/12/08
PEACE DEAL IN FERRY WARS
Isle-of-Wight County Press
05/12/08
WIGHTLINK SAFETY CLAIMS 'MISLEADING'
Lymington Times Article
29/11/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
29/11/08
WIGHTLINK MOVE TO NEW PORT AT PENNINGTON WOULD COST £31M
Lymington Times Article
29/11/08
FURY AS WIGHTLINK SAYS IT WILL RUN NEW FERRIES BEFORE SAFETY TESTS END
Lymington Times Article
22/11/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
22/11/08
ARCHDEACON BLESSES NEW WIGHTLINK FERRY
Lymington Times Article
22/11/08
LHC UPDATE ON TRIALS - WIGHTLINK REFUSE TO CO-0PERATE,WILL BEGIN OPERATIONS ANYWAY
Lymington Harbour Commissioners
18/11/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
15/11/08
SAFETY PROBE AFTER FERRY DOOR OPENS DURING CROSSING
Southern Daily Echo Article
11/11/08
HARBOUR CHIEF'S ANGER AT MP'S INTERESTS 'SLUR'
Lymington Times Article
08/11/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
08/11/08
CONFUSION AS MFA ABANDONS ROLE REGULATING NEW FERRIES
Lymington Times Article
01/11/08
NEW FERRY HAD MINOR COLLISION WITH YACHT
Lymington Times Article
25/10/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
25/10/08
MINISTER GIVES HOPE TO ANTI-FERRY CAMPAIGN
Lymington Times Article
18/10/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
18/10/08
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION BY DESMOND SWAYNE T.D., M.P.
Hansard October 2008

NFDC CALLS FOR FULL FERRY IMPACT STUDY
Lymington Times Article
11/10/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
11/10/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
4/10/08
LYMINGTON SOCIETY PILES PRESSURE ON HARBOUR BOSSES
Lymington Times Article
27/09/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
27/09/08
COMMISSION BACKS HARBOUR CHIEF/ MP CRITICISES HARBOUR BODY
Lymington Times Article
20/09/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
20/09/08
COMMISSIONERS WARN TOO MANY BOATS AT FERRY TRIAL COULD RUIN TESTS
Lymington Times Article
20/09/08
ADVERTISING WATCHDOG SAYS MARGINALLY BIGGER IS THE SAME AS SIGNIFICANTLY BIGGER
Lymington Times Article
20/09/08
HARBOUR CHIEF'S NEW FERRY LINK REVEALED
Lymington Times Article
13/09/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
13/09/08
NEW FERRY'S ARRIVAL CONFIRMS WORST FEARS
Lymington Times Article
06/09/08
WOULD 'PORT PENNINGTON' MAKE BRANCH LINE REDUNDANT
Lymington Times Article
16/08/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
09/08/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
2/08/08
POLICE AND HARBOUR CHIEFS READY TO STOP FERRY BLOCKADE
Lymington Times Article
26/07/08
FOREST COUNCIL REJECTS FERRY PETITION
Lymington Times Article
26/07/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
26/07/08
M.P. BACKS 2,000 NAME PETITION FOR FULL FERRY IMPACT STUDY
Lymington Times Article
19/07/08
PENNINGTON FERRY TERMINAL WOULD COST MILLIONS AND UPSET ENVIRONMENTALISTS
Lymington Times Article
19/07/08
PLANNING APPLICATION NOTICE - SHORESIDE WORKS
Lymington Times Article
19/07/08
DAILY ECHO
Article
16/07/08
WIGHTLINK APOLOGISES FOR FERRY STUDY 'CONFUSION'
Lymington Times Article
12/07/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
12/07/08
NEW FERRY OPPONENTS DISMISS WIGHTLINK CLAIMS
Lymington Times Article
05/07/08
FERRIES WON'T HARM RIVER, SAYS REPORT
Lymington Times Article
28/06/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
28/06/08
WIGHTLINK ADVERTISEMENT IN LYMINGTON TIMES
Lymington Times Advertisement
28/06/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
21/06/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER FROM WIGHTLINK TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
14/06/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
07/06/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
31/05/08
CRITICS DEMAND THREE-YEAR IMPACT STUDY ON NEW FERRIES
Lymington Times Article
24/05/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
24/05/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
17/05/08
FUEL COST RISES FORCE FERRY SURCHARGES
Lymington Times Front Page Article
17/05/08
NEW FERRIES WILL ADD 2,000 CARS PER DAY TO ROADS SAY OPPONENTS
Lymington Times Front Page Article
10/05/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
10/05/08
OPPONENTS OF NEW FERRIES MAY SEEK JUDICIAL REVIEW FOR DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
Lymington Times Front Page Article
03/05/08
WOULD WIGHTLINK LEAVE RIVER FOR NEW DOCK OFF PENNINGTON?
Lymington Times Article
03/05/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
19/04/08
DAILY ECHO
Article
17/04/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
12/04/08
TOWNSMAN - LOSS OF LYMINGTON MARSHES
Lymington Times Editorial
12/04/08
NEW FERRIES 'NO DANGER TO RIVER USERS' SAY EXPERTS
Lymington Times Article
05/04/08
PARK REJECTS FERRIES 'INACTION' CLAIM
Lymington Times Article
05/04/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
05/04/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
29/03/08
BOURNEMOUTH ECHO
Article
28/03/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
22/03/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
15/03/08
IMPACT STUDY SETBACK FOR FERRY OPPONENTS
Lymington Times Article
08/03/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
08/03/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
01/03/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
23/02/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
16/02/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
09/02/08
Wightlink Flyer in NFP free paper
New Forest Post flyer
02/02/08
First New Lymington Ferry Launched
Lymington Times Article
02/02/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
02/02/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
26/01/08
Support for breakwaters to protect harbour
Lymington Times Article
26/01/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
19/01/08
NOTES AND NEWS BY TOWNSMAN - Why are we losing the marshes?
Lymington Times Article
12/01/08
NURSERYMAN'S SOLUTION TO EROSION OF SALT MARSHES
Lymington Times Article
12/01/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
12/01/08
ADVERTISEMENT FOR NEW LYMINGTON HARBOUR COMMISSIONER
Lymington Times Advertisement
05/01/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
05/01/08
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
15/12/07
SOLENT PROTECTION SOCIETY DROPS SUPPORT FOR NEW FERRIES
Lymington Times Article
08/12/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
08/12/07
GOVT REFUSAL TO INTERVENE IN FERRIES AND BREAKWATER ROWS
Lymington Times Article
01/12/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
01/12/07
BOB FISHER - "FERRY WORRYING TIMES"
Guardian Article
28/11/07
DESMOND SWAYNE MP - ADJOURNEMENT DEBATE
Parliamentary Debate
27/11/07
LEGAL ACTION COULD HALT £1.5M LYMINGTON FERRY DOCKS WORK
Lymington Times Article
24/11/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
24/11/07
PUBLIC MEETING UNITES AGAINST BIGGER FERRIES
Lymington Times Article
10/11/07
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS BY DESMOND SWAYNE MP
Ferries: Lymington
14/11/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
17/11/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
10/11/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
03/11/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
27/10/07
WIGHTLINK ADVERTISEMENT IN LYMINGTON TIMES
Lymington Times Advertisement
27/10/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
20/10/07
FERRY OPPONENTS HIT BACK AT FERRY CHIEF
Lymington Times Article
13/10/07
RESPONSE TO INTERVIEW WITH WIGHTLINK CHIEF
Lymington Times Article
13/10/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
13/10/07
NEW FERRIES OR WE PULL OUT WARNS WIGHTLINK
Lymington Times Article
06/10/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
06/10/07
'LISTEN TO RIVER USERS NOT WIGHTLINK' HARBOUR CHIEFS TOLD
Lymington Times Article
29/09/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
29/09/07
MOUNTING CONCERN OVER NEW FERRIES
Lymington Times Article
22/09/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
22/09/07
'Tide turns against new ferries'
Lymington Times Article
15/09/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
15/09/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
08/09/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
01/09/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
25/08/07
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBE INTO NEW FERRIES
Lymington Times Article
18/08/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
18/08/07
WIGHTLINK ADMIT NEW FERRIES 80% BIGGER
Lymington Times Article
11/08/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
11/08/07
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
6/12/03
LYMINGTON TIMES LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Lymington Times Article
29/11/03

Name & Registered Office:
LYMINGTON RIVER ASSOCIATION
210 PALAMOS HOUSE
66-67 HIGH STREET
LYMINGTON
HAMPSHIRE
SO41 9AL
Company No. 06850022


Company Type: PRI/LBG/NSC/S.30 (Private, limited by guarantee, no share capital, section 30 of the Companies Act)