The Isle of Wight Council says it is being done before Cowes Week. The Cowes-East Cowes chain ferry will be out of action and a replacement service will be running between 6pm and 11pm. Cowes Week starts on July 31. Work will replace and upgrade parts on a hydraulic ram, which operates the prow. The same part has already had significant work carried out this year alone. A statement said: "Service suspension: Essential maintenance work is to be carried out on Cowes Floating Bridge between 6pm and 11pm on Thursday, July 29. "A launch service for foot passengers and cyclists will be in operation."