The berth modification works were intended to be undertaken whilst the C Class vessels were in service as these vessels had years of experience loading/unloading off the slipways.  Regrettably due to the planning and environmental issues surrounding the berth works, this was unable to be completed whilst the C Class remained available.

To ensure that a service could operate in the event of unforeseen temporary linkspan failures, at Lymington, Fishbourne or Yarmouth a barge was constructed to enable vehicles to load/unload onto the slipway.  

This barge is now being used at Lymington whilst the main berth modification works are undertaken (a period of 3 months) and the timetable has been amended to reflect the longer operating times (an hourly timetable) that we require for loading and unloading in Lymington as the operation is more complex than operating off the linkspan.  

We are aware that there are issues around low tide with the loading and unloading of vehicles and despite making major modifications to correct the identified issues to enable low tide operation we are still experiencing problems at a very specific state of the tide (1.1m), resulting in passengers being unable to embark/disembark during this time frame, which has lead to delays.  We ask that passengers bear with us whilst these essential works are taking place and we apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.  

Important Customer Information

Please be advised that the sailing times on the Lymington-Yarmouth route will be revised between 4 January – 29 March 2012 due to the Lymington berth improvement and habitat works that are required to be undertaken in connection with the operation of the W Class ferries.

In addition to the revised timetable a bus replacement service will also be operating between Lymington Pier and Lymington Town.

Please be advised that during the 3 month period of the berth works at Lymington (until 29 March 2012), passengers with low sports cars and low loaders freight vehicles are advised that due to the temporary berth/ramp at Lymington that this route maybe unsuitable for these vehicles at certain states of the tides. Where possible we would recommend that the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route is used as an alternative service.

Please ensure that you pick up a new 2012 timetable from the ticket office or download a copy here.

19 December 2011, updated 11 January 2012

Train Connections

SERVICE ALTERATION - Monday to Friday from 18 January until 29 March
Following customer feedback, the 1700 replacement bus from Lymington Town to Lymington Pier will depart earlier to provide a connection with the Yarmouth ferry.
Lymington Town depart 1655 - Lymington Pier arrive 1701
to connect with 1705 ferry to Yarmouth (retimed 1700).

Updated 18 January 2012