The Woolwich Ferry boats....only 2 weeks left

Why didn't they sign a replacement before selling him.

I mean, why didn't they trial the new ferry boat first, before withdrawing the old ones?

Sounds just like Roland to me.

msomerton said:

Sounds like a way for the mayor of London to end the Woolwich ferry service, they decide the design not suitable and that no more money left for new replacements. They then sell off these new boats and so minimise the expense.

I think I’m right in saying that ending the Free Woolwich Ferry would take an act of Parliament. Given the relative insignificance of the overall importance of TWF in national terms. No parliamentary time would be made available to end it.

I’m sure someone will know more.

msomerton said:

Sounds like a way for the mayor of London to end the Woolwich ferry service, they decide the design not suitable and that no more money left for new replacements. They then sell off these new boats and so minimise the expense.

Well, they've certainly ended the ferry service since October.


Authorities and councils are severely squeezed, starved or almost bankrupt.
Infrastructure is falling apart in this country.

I just can't think why?

killerandflash said:

Oggy Red said:

Why didn't they sign a replacement before selling him.

I mean, why didn't they trial the new ferry boat first, before withdrawing the old ones?

Sounds just like Roland to me.

The new boats probably aren't the problem.They can't be used straight away, as the ramps need to be modified to fit them, so there was always going to be a closure while this was happening

"TfL apologised after it was delayed, before a limited run began last Friday (February 1)".

It would appear the modified ramps must already be in place, if "a limited run" had already begun last Friday.

Perhaps the new boats or something directly part of their operation, is the problem after all?
Someone hasn't got the logistics or functionality right. Anyway, they are way behind schedule.

And still there's no ferry service.

ShootersHillGuru said:

Not sure if the delay is anything to do with this at all but.... the old ferries as far as I know, once docked onto the loading ramps were held in place by the action of the Diesel engines. I think the new boats are held in situ by electro magnets. Perhaps this is needing more tests ?

Yes, that is the problem. One of the boats was working last weekend.

iainment said:

Causing quite a long tail back towards Charlton from the roundabout too.

That's all the free agents waiting to see Lee Bowyer

They ran a "service" yesterday. I went for a lunchtime walk along the Thames Path and they seemed to be having real problems docking them at the South pier. They were taking ages and seemed to be having two or three attempts to get lined up.

Went past today and lots of yellow jackets on board scratching heads.

SomervilleAddick said:

I'm gutted and had no idea this was happening. My mum's dad used to work at Woolwich Power Station and knew the ferrymen, he used to take me on the ferry's every week and we were allowed to watch the engines working from the engine room. Another piece of my childhood going.... I must try and get down there before the 5th.

Ffs Wally, they replaced that one ages ago.

Where did you get that pic, Ray? That's the paddle steamer I remember when I was a little lad!

I remember seeing that get destroyed by Behemoth.

Somebody just posted this on FB, so here is Behemoth in action. 

https://youtu.be/USiDZVqqQcg

ShootersHillGuru said:

Sounds like a way for the mayor of London to end the Woolwich ferry service, they decide the design not suitable and that no more money left for new replacements. They then sell off these new boats and so minimise the expense.

I think I’m right in saying that ending the Free Woolwich Ferry would take an act of Parliament. Given the relative insignificance of the overall importance of TWF in national terms. No parliamentary time would be made available to end it. I’m sure someone will know more.

If an act is required, the government would get a backbencher to move one of those Friday afternoon bills, get it through on the nod with no scrutiny.

Paddy7 said:

Interesting - are those in France, Clive?

I believe so,i found the photos on a local Plumstead forum.

clive said:

Paddy7 said:

Interesting - are those in France, Clive?

I believe so,i found the photos on a local Plumstead forum.

Yes, I remember reading at the time that they're being scrapped in France