| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:00, 1st December 2025 |     |
From the BBC:
New owners take over cross-Solent ferry operator
The take over of Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel by investment firm, Njord Partners has been completed.
The ferry firm said the deal, announced in September, had successfully gone through after being approved by the government.
Red Funnel said it had reduced the company's debt by more than 75% allowing it to improve its service between Southampton and East and West Cowes. The operator, which has served the island for more than 164 years, has struggled in recent years due to debt and also faced criticism over high ferry prices and unreliable crossings.
Chief executive Fran Collins said one of the commitments it had made with the new owners was to undertake a review of its fare structure. She added that with the deal "taking the debt down," the company has "more money to invest in the business".
"Securing the backing of Njord Partners gives Red Funnel the stability and confidence to progress with real ambition and renewed focus,' she said.
The takeover comes after Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson introduced the Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill in the House of Commons in November. It would bring boat routes throughout the country more in line with railways and buses. He said that travellers are "tired" of paying "rip-off prices" for ferry travel to and from the island.
The private member's bill is unlikely to become law without government support but the Department for Transport said it recognised the "vital importance" of ferry services in connecting island communities.
Njord Partners also operates Valiant Pub Company, Ambassador Cruise Line, and Geoquip Marine.
Founding partner Jakob Kjellberg said: "We are delighted to be the new owners of Red Funnel. We are excited to build on the long legacy of this essential lifeline service, and work hard to improve the business performance and regain the trust of all stakeholders."
The take over of Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel by investment firm, Njord Partners has been completed.
The ferry firm said the deal, announced in September, had successfully gone through after being approved by the government.
Red Funnel said it had reduced the company's debt by more than 75% allowing it to improve its service between Southampton and East and West Cowes. The operator, which has served the island for more than 164 years, has struggled in recent years due to debt and also faced criticism over high ferry prices and unreliable crossings.
Chief executive Fran Collins said one of the commitments it had made with the new owners was to undertake a review of its fare structure. She added that with the deal "taking the debt down," the company has "more money to invest in the business".
"Securing the backing of Njord Partners gives Red Funnel the stability and confidence to progress with real ambition and renewed focus,' she said.
The takeover comes after Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson introduced the Ferry Services (Integration and Regulation) Bill in the House of Commons in November. It would bring boat routes throughout the country more in line with railways and buses. He said that travellers are "tired" of paying "rip-off prices" for ferry travel to and from the island.
The private member's bill is unlikely to become law without government support but the Department for Transport said it recognised the "vital importance" of ferry services in connecting island communities.
Njord Partners also operates Valiant Pub Company, Ambassador Cruise Line, and Geoquip Marine.
Founding partner Jakob Kjellberg said: "We are delighted to be the new owners of Red Funnel. We are excited to build on the long legacy of this essential lifeline service, and work hard to improve the business performance and regain the trust of all stakeholders."
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by CyclingSid at 16:21, 30th September 2025 | |
Small point to the BBC:
One of the Isle of Wight's ferry operators taken over by new owners.
Have they sorted out the Hythe ferry?
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:39, 29th September 2025 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Isle of Wight's ferry operator taken over by new owners
Red Funnel has now been taken over by Njord Partners
The Isle of Wight's ferry operator has been bought by new owners after facing financial challenges over the last five years.
Red Funnel, which has served the island for more than 164 years, has been taken over by Njord Partners, the UK-based company announced on Monday.
The operator has struggled in recent years due to debt and also faced criticism over high ferry prices and unreliable crossings.
Chief executive Fran Collins said they were "delighted" to work with Njord Partners as the company entered a "new chapter".
"Our priority is to ensure Red Funnel operates sustainably and responsibly for decades to come, delivering high-quality, reliable, and friendly services across the Solent," she said.
Njord Partners also operates Valiant Pub Company, Ambassador Cruise Line, and Geoquip Marine. Founding partner Jakob Kjellberg said Red Funnel was a "vital part of the Isle of Wight's economy and community".
"We are excited to support Red Funnel's next chapter, restoring its financial health and empowering its people to deliver the reliable, efficient service that islanders and visitors deserve," he added.
Red Funnel has now been taken over by Njord Partners
The Isle of Wight's ferry operator has been bought by new owners after facing financial challenges over the last five years.
Red Funnel, which has served the island for more than 164 years, has been taken over by Njord Partners, the UK-based company announced on Monday.
The operator has struggled in recent years due to debt and also faced criticism over high ferry prices and unreliable crossings.
Chief executive Fran Collins said they were "delighted" to work with Njord Partners as the company entered a "new chapter".
"Our priority is to ensure Red Funnel operates sustainably and responsibly for decades to come, delivering high-quality, reliable, and friendly services across the Solent," she said.
Njord Partners also operates Valiant Pub Company, Ambassador Cruise Line, and Geoquip Marine. Founding partner Jakob Kjellberg said Red Funnel was a "vital part of the Isle of Wight's economy and community".
"We are excited to support Red Funnel's next chapter, restoring its financial health and empowering its people to deliver the reliable, efficient service that islanders and visitors deserve," he added.
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:03, 24th July 2025 | |
From the BBC:
Ferry passengers are continuing to face disruption as repair work is carried out to a vessel that broke down mid-crossing.
Red Funnel said its Red Eagle vehicle ferry, sailing between between East Cowes and Southampton, suffered a technical issue with its aft main engine on Wednesday afternoon. It broke down on Southampton Water and needed assistance from a tug boat to make it to port in Southampton. Some crossings on Wednesday evening and Thursday were cancelled as a result.
Services were also disrupted in April when the same vessel broke down at sea, having just returned to service.
Following Wednesday's breakdown, Red Funnel's operations director Neil Chapman said: "While everyone on board was safe, we know this caused a longer journey than our passengers expected, and we're truly sorry for that. Our technical teams have been working hard through the night to complete the repairs, and we're doing everything we can to get Red Eagle back into service as soon as possible."
The company's website is showing the cancellation of the 12:30 BST and 15:30 services from East Cowes, as well as the 14:00 and 17:00 sailings from Southampton.
It is the latest in a series of problems to affect Red Eagle, with Red Funnel extending its winter timetable due to its delayed return from its annual refit. It then suffered a "technical issue" at sea on 5 April after it returned to service.
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by CyclingSid at 06:59, 7th May 2024 | |
Another foot ferry teetering on the brink? It appears to be in some cases that it is not so much the ferry as the supporting infrastructure that causes the problems. Hayling Ferry had a similar problem.
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by grahame at 06:37, 7th May 2024 | |
From Hythe pier, train and ferry group
As the chairman of Hythe Shed (at the pier) and a board member of the Hythe Pier Heritage Association, I am often asked about the latest position of both.
To clarify:-
Red Funnel now own the Hythe ferry
Blue Funnel still own the pier, buildings and rail tracks, they are still responsible for the repair and upkeep, and have an agreement with Red Funnel for them to use the pier.
Hythe Pier Heritage Association own the train. ( HPHA)
The shed volunteers at Hythe Shed (at the pier) do the restoration work on the train for the HPHA.
The volunteers also do other work for the community, usually for a donation unless we have to buy something to do the work, and make items in wood to sell.
The pier and train is an asset to the village as it brings footfall to the area for the benefit to businesses.
The HPHA have paid for the ongoing refurbishment of the station and new rails, as the wearing existing rails were damaging the wheel bearings of the train. The old rails are being cut up by the Shed and mounted and made into souvenirs for sale. The plans for the new platform have been drawn up.
The work of the HPHA and the Shed is all funded by donations, raffles, merchandise etc, and without it , it would not be possible to continue. So the community’s support is vital. If you are not a member, then join, if you would like to donate you gift would be appreciated.
The HPHA and the SHED will both have gazebos at the Village Fete.
Both will be at Rock the pier on the 15th June.
Heritage Day is set for 24th August at the Shed and Pier.
To clarify:-
Red Funnel now own the Hythe ferry
Blue Funnel still own the pier, buildings and rail tracks, they are still responsible for the repair and upkeep, and have an agreement with Red Funnel for them to use the pier.
Hythe Pier Heritage Association own the train. ( HPHA)
The shed volunteers at Hythe Shed (at the pier) do the restoration work on the train for the HPHA.
The volunteers also do other work for the community, usually for a donation unless we have to buy something to do the work, and make items in wood to sell.
The pier and train is an asset to the village as it brings footfall to the area for the benefit to businesses.
The HPHA have paid for the ongoing refurbishment of the station and new rails, as the wearing existing rails were damaging the wheel bearings of the train. The old rails are being cut up by the Shed and mounted and made into souvenirs for sale. The plans for the new platform have been drawn up.
The work of the HPHA and the Shed is all funded by donations, raffles, merchandise etc, and without it , it would not be possible to continue. So the community’s support is vital. If you are not a member, then join, if you would like to donate you gift would be appreciated.
The HPHA and the SHED will both have gazebos at the Village Fete.
Both will be at Rock the pier on the 15th June.
Heritage Day is set for 24th August at the Shed and Pier.
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by Bmblbzzz at 13:37, 13th September 2023 | |
Funnel colour change from the BBC
They could merge and become Purple Funnel.Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel has taken over a passenger link across Southampton Water.
The operator of the Hythe Ferry, Blue Funnel, had suffered from rising costs and low passenger numbers since the Covid pandemic.
Red Funnel said it had bought the ferry to maintain the service of "historical significance".
Blue Funnel's Lee Rayment said it meant the ferry would "continue to serve Hythe and the Solent community".
The operator of the Hythe Ferry, Blue Funnel, had suffered from rising costs and low passenger numbers since the Covid pandemic.
Red Funnel said it had bought the ferry to maintain the service of "historical significance".
Blue Funnel's Lee Rayment said it meant the ferry would "continue to serve Hythe and the Solent community".
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by CyclingSid at 06:53, 11th September 2023 | |
Wonder if anyone will take over the Hayling Ferry, which is at risk. The Harbour Authority wants to increase its pontoon fees 300%.
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by grahame at 16:36, 10th September 2023 | |
Funnel colour change from the BBC
Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel has taken over a passenger link across Southampton Water.
The operator of the Hythe Ferry, Blue Funnel, had suffered from rising costs and low passenger numbers since the Covid pandemic.
Red Funnel said it had bought the ferry to maintain the service of "historical significance".
Blue Funnel's Lee Rayment said it meant the ferry would "continue to serve Hythe and the Solent community".
The operator of the Hythe Ferry, Blue Funnel, had suffered from rising costs and low passenger numbers since the Covid pandemic.
Red Funnel said it had bought the ferry to maintain the service of "historical significance".
Blue Funnel's Lee Rayment said it meant the ferry would "continue to serve Hythe and the Solent community".
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by ChrisB at 13:53, 23rd January 2023 | |
From The BBC
Hythe Ferry: Redbridge Causeway roadworks boost passenger numbers, says operator
Roadworks on a main route into Southampton have boosted passenger numbers on a threatened ferry service, its operator has said.
Lane closures on the A35 Redbridge Causeway have led to delays of up to 90 minutes for motorists.
Hythe Ferry operator Lee Rayment said passenger numbers had since increased by "two and a half times".
He added talks over the sale of the ferry were progressing and its future was "positive".
Redbridge Causeway serves as a link between the New Forest waterside area and Southampton, and connects with the M271.
Lane closures were put in place on Monday as part of an ongoing £25m project to deal with weaknesses in the concrete structure of the 60-year-old bridges.
Compounded by icy conditions, traffic tailed back through Totton and to Ashurst in the New Forest.
Bus operator Bluestar said it was trying to "minimise any disruption" and urged customers to allow plenty of time for their journeys.
The Hythe Ferry takes foot passengers from the Waterside straight into the city.
Mr Rayment said while the roadworks had caused misery for motorists, they had been a "godsend" for the ferry, with one boat recently carrying about 50 passengers, when it was previously struggling to get 20.
"It's been really good for us - we're almost back to 2018 levels," he added.
"We've seen new faces and some which have come back to us. It's a shame it's not like this all year round.
"Hopefully we'll hold on to some of them - it certainly shows the interest there is."
Mr Rayment announced in December he was ending the service on New Year's Eve saying, with rising costs and passengers numbers not yet recovered from the pandemic, it was no longer financially viable.
Local councils said they would not provide a subsidy to allow it to continue.
It was later announced the ferry would continue running into 2023, as there was hope of a finding a buyer.
Mr Rayment said talks were progressing with a "very interested party" about taking over the service, and the future was "positive".
The Hythe Ferry previously stopped running in December 2020 when it could not afford to resume crossings because of the impact of lockdowns and low passenger numbers, prompting a crowdfunding effort and bail-outs from local councils.
Hampshire County Council said the roadworks at Redbridge were "necessary" to deal with weaknesses in the concrete structure of the bridges and lane closures could continue into March.
Lane closures on the A35 Redbridge Causeway have led to delays of up to 90 minutes for motorists.
Hythe Ferry operator Lee Rayment said passenger numbers had since increased by "two and a half times".
He added talks over the sale of the ferry were progressing and its future was "positive".
Redbridge Causeway serves as a link between the New Forest waterside area and Southampton, and connects with the M271.
Lane closures were put in place on Monday as part of an ongoing £25m project to deal with weaknesses in the concrete structure of the 60-year-old bridges.
Compounded by icy conditions, traffic tailed back through Totton and to Ashurst in the New Forest.
Bus operator Bluestar said it was trying to "minimise any disruption" and urged customers to allow plenty of time for their journeys.
The Hythe Ferry takes foot passengers from the Waterside straight into the city.
Mr Rayment said while the roadworks had caused misery for motorists, they had been a "godsend" for the ferry, with one boat recently carrying about 50 passengers, when it was previously struggling to get 20.
"It's been really good for us - we're almost back to 2018 levels," he added.
"We've seen new faces and some which have come back to us. It's a shame it's not like this all year round.
"Hopefully we'll hold on to some of them - it certainly shows the interest there is."
Mr Rayment announced in December he was ending the service on New Year's Eve saying, with rising costs and passengers numbers not yet recovered from the pandemic, it was no longer financially viable.
Local councils said they would not provide a subsidy to allow it to continue.
It was later announced the ferry would continue running into 2023, as there was hope of a finding a buyer.
Mr Rayment said talks were progressing with a "very interested party" about taking over the service, and the future was "positive".
The Hythe Ferry previously stopped running in December 2020 when it could not afford to resume crossings because of the impact of lockdowns and low passenger numbers, prompting a crowdfunding effort and bail-outs from local councils.
Hampshire County Council said the roadworks at Redbridge were "necessary" to deal with weaknesses in the concrete structure of the bridges and lane closures could continue into March.
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by paul7575 at 14:03, 3rd January 2023 | |
Wasn't there a suggestion that one of the main reasons the council didn't want the railway to reopen to Hythe was to protect the ferry? If so, wonder if there might be support for reopening now?
I definitely read something like that in an HCC report, but maybe 10 years or more ago. HCC were effectively against any reopening back then.Even as recently as 2015 the latest Wessex route study was pretty lukewarm on the proposal, reporting that the business case was “not robust”.
But now all the available online info suggests HCC are very much in support. I’d still assume that they won’t be splitting public subsidy three ways, something will have to be given up…
Paul
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by Noggin at 13:40, 31st December 2022 | |
Wasn't there a suggestion that one of the main reasons the council didn't want the railway to reopen to Hythe was to protect the ferry? If so, wonder if there might be support for reopening now?
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by paul7575 at 11:51, 30th December 2022 | |
I just cannot see it being viable if there’s no council subsidy. The staff costs for a ferry operating 18 hours a day 7 days a week will be very high even before the direct costs of the ferry itself are considered.
Is it a crew of 3 normally, plus there’s the pier railway staff to be paid, but it’s a few years since I did the return trip.
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by bradshaw at 08:24, 30th December 2022 | |
After interest shown the ferry will continue to see if another operator will take it over
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-64124160
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by ChrisB at 15:30, 23rd December 2022 | |
Sounds unlikely - no trade
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by johnneyw at 21:49, 21st December 2022 | |
Replacement operator possible?
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by ChrisB at 20:25, 21st December 2022 | |
The ferry company own the pier. Not sure if they own the tramway too
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by PhilWakely at 20:17, 21st December 2022 | |
I hope that does not mean that the pier tramway will cease to operate.
| Re: Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by Bmblbzzz at 19:23, 21st December 2022 | |
It almost always seems sad to me when a ferry ceases. There's something I somehow find very appealing about them as a mode of transport, especially when they turn a long road journey into a short water trip.
| Red Funnel ferries, Isle of Wight - merged posts, ongoing developments Posted by bradshaw at 17:06, 21st December 2022 | |
The ferry between Hythe and Southampton is to cease operation on New Year’s Eve.
Details below
https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/23206246.blue-funnel-says-hythe-ferry-will-cease-operating-new-years-eve/
