The Sandbanks Ferry announces refit date for 2026
Last day of service - Sunday 1st November 2026
The Sandbanks Ferry will undergo a scheduled major refit in November as part of a routine maintenance programme the vessel undergoes every two years.
The ferry’s last day of service before the refit will be Sunday 1st November 2026, with normal hours of operation on that date. The last service of the day leaves Shell Bay at 11:10pm.
Refit works in Poole and Falmouth
Refit works will take place in Poole Quay and Falmouth, with the ferry travelling to Poole Quay on Monday 2nd November. The ferry will be out of service over a total planned period of 7 weeks for the refit works, subject to weather and sea conditions.
Wayne Row, General Manager at The Sandbanks Ferry commented: “Our refits are essential to ensure the ferry continues operating safely and reliably for all our passengers and staff.
“Our team works exceptionally hard to prepare for refit years. On-board maintenance is ongoing throughout the year, ensuring the ferry is in excellent working condition, day-to-day. The team makes any repairs that are possible to do while the ferry is on the water, while out-of-water refit works tackle more complex processes around long-term structural integrity and regulatory compliance. Parts for the refit are also ordered at least a year in advance, with sections and systems prefabricated, helping reduce the overall time the ferry needs to be out of service.
“We appreciate the ferry is part of the critical transport network for so many people across Dorset and understand that service disruptions can be difficult to plan around. We’re doing everything we can to ensure works are both thorough and efficient, so we can be back on the chains quickly. I’d like to thank our passengers in advance for their understanding.”
The Sandbanks Ferry alternates minor and major refit works every two years, with its last major refit taking place in 2022.
The exact date for the Sandbanks Ferry’s return to service after this year’s refit works will be announced in December 2026.
Find out more about the Sandbanks Ferry service on their website.
