Cross-Solent ferries, between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

[whole diary]

[grahame]

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.

[CyclingSid]

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.

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

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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.

[Chris from Nailsea]

An update, from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Isle of Wight's ferry operator taken over by new owners

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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^▸ (United Kingdom)-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.

[CyclingSid]

Small point to the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

    One of the Isle of Wight's ferry operators taken over by new owners.

Have they sorted out the Hythe ferry?

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Ferry strike vote called off by RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) after talks

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A ballot on industrial action on cross-Solent ferries has been cancelled.

Wightlink had proposed staff cuts, potentially affecting up to 50 roles, as part of a project which it said would improve the business.

Following "constructive talks" with the RMT Union, Wightlink said it had withdrawn its original proposal and would continue discussions.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey confirmed its members would not be balloted on strike action, saying it had been a "successful outcome".

Wightlink said it had been consulting the union over proposed changes for the Rostering and Operational Efficiency Project - which it described as a "five-year company plan to modernise the business and to make improvements for passengers".

Chief executive Katy Taylor said "We take our responsibility as a lifeline service seriously and we are doing everything we can to avoid industrial action as we know the impact it has on our customers. We will continue talks with the RMT and hope to agree a way forward for changes which are needed to further improve our services, increase flexibility and to add additional sailings."

The maritime union had previously said the proposals would put 160 jobs at risk and threatened to ballot for industrial action unless the "reckless plans" were withdrawn.

Following the talks, Mr Dempsey said: "This is a successful outcome for RMT members at Wightlink who stood together and showed the company they would not accept threats to their jobs or safety. RMT is always prepared to engage in genuine talks about improvements, but we will never accept changes that put jobs or safety on the line."

Wightlink operates vehicle and passenger services between Portsmouth and Ryde as well as vehicle ferries between Yarmouth and Lymington.

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Ryde Pier Head ferry parking tariff to allow shorter stays

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Ferry passengers park at Ryde Pier Head before ferry crossings to Portsmouth

Parking charges at an Isle of Wight transport hub are to be revised to allow motorists to pay for shorter stays.

Motorists parking at Ryde Pier Head, many taking passenger ferries to Portsmouth, currently have to pay £11.50 for periods ranging between two and 16 hours.

From December, new tarrifs for four, six and eight hours are set to be introduced.

Ferry operator Wightlink said the new bands would make it "easier and more flexible" for customers to park at the site.

Parking will remain free for the first 30 minutes. Instead of having to pay £11.50, regardless of duration, a four hour stay will now cost £5.50. Six hours will cost £7.50 and eight hours will cost £9.50. Two hour's parking will remain at £3.50 and a £13.50 charge will remain for up to 24 hours.

The ferry operator said: "Following customer feedback, we're making it easier and more flexible for customers to park at Ryde Pier Head. From 1 December, we're introducing additional time bands, giving passengers even more choice for shorter stays. We'll continue listening to Island residents to improve our services."

The car park is at the end of Victorian Pier which reopened in 2024 after a £10m refurbishment of the Ryde Interchange. Built in 1814, Ryde Pier is the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)'s oldest and the second-longest seaside pier in the country at half a mile long.

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

New owners take over cross-Solent ferry operator

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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^▸ (Member of Parliament, or Mile Post (a method of measuring the railway in miles and chains from a starting point - usually London), depending on context) 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."

[grahame]

Small point to the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

    One of the Isle of Wight's ferry operators taken over by new owners.

Have they sorted out the Hythe ferry?

No

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpd65wxj3d5o.amp

The owner of a Grade II^▸ (IndustryInsider - a respected member of this forum) listed pier in Southampton Water says it will remain closed to the public for now despite essential electrical works being completed.

People in Hythe have raised concerns about what the closure means for the potential return of the ferry service.

The vice-chair of the parish council, Mark Clark, said it had not received responses to any letters to the ferry's parent company requesting answers about the return of the service or the reopening of the pier.

When contacted by the BBC, a spokesperson for the ferry company, which leases the pier from its owner, said: "Essential works to support the pier and ferry operations are progressing."

The ferry service between Hythe and Southampton has been suspended since August 2024 when damage was found underneath the landing pontoon at the pierhead.

[ChrisB]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page)

Pier remains closed and future of ferry unclear

The owner of a Grade II^▸ (IndustryInsider - a respected member of this forum) listed pier in Southampton Water says it will remain closed to the public for now despite essential electrical works being completed.

People in Hythe have raised concerns about what the closure means for the potential return of the ferry service.

The vice-chair of the parish council, Mark Clark, said it had not received responses to any letters to the ferry's parent company requesting answers about the return of the service or the reopening of the pier.

When contacted by the BBC, a spokesperson for the ferry company, which leases the pier from its owner, said: "Essential works to support the pier and ferry operations are progressing."

The ferry service between Hythe and Southampton has been suspended since August 2024 when damage was found underneath the landing pontoon at the pierhead.

The pier closed in the autumn of this year for electrical work, according to Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company, which is a subsidiary of Red Funnel but operates as a separate business.

Earlier this month, the takeover of Red Funnel by investment firm Njord partners was confirmed but no mention was made of the Hythe ferry in the statement about the new owners.

Vice-chair of the parish council Mark Clark said all attempts to contact Njord partners and Red Funnel had been ignored.

"We simply don't know anything about whether the Hythe Ferry was included in the takeover, and as the tenant of the pier, it's their responsibility to determine when it can reopen again - we've asked them and had no answer".

Njord Partners were approached for comment but directed the BBC to Red Funnel.

Red Funnel's PR^▸ (Public Relations) company sent a statement confirming the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company and the boat itself was part of the takeover.

A spokesperson said: "We're pleased to confirm that the owners of Hythe Pier recently completed critical electrical repairs.

"This is an important step forwards but there is still work to be done.

"The ferry is a historic and much-loved service, and we are working hard behind the scenes, together with local partners, to find the right solution and secure a sustainable future".

But some locals say they are losing faith that the ferry service will return.

Hannah Howley runs Howley Coffee from a mobile van at the entrance to the pier.

She said footfall, which fell when the ferry stopped, had dropped again now the pier had closed.

"People are feeling sad and just losing hope the ferry is ever coming back - it's been over a year," she said.

"The longer the pier stays closed, the longer the impact on the business too".

Councillor Clark said some who had bought memorial planks on the pier were upset they were unable to access them.

"People can't even go to the place they chose to remember their relative and it's hitting on an emotional basis - this pier is part of our community," he said.

Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company leases the pier from Hythe Pier Company, which gives it access to the pier, landing stage and buildings to operate the service.

The owner of Hythe Pier is parish councillor Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan who bought it in November 2024.

She has posted in a local Facebook group saying the pier was closed by the tenant - Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company - because of health and safety concerns and it was the company that made "decisions about access, operation and reopening".

She added that she was exploring the option of the pier business becoming a charity, "as the only income is rental income and the full annual income has been spent on the electrical works".

[grahame]

From Facebook

Today I received the following from Red Funnel . 
Dear Malcolm,
We wanted to provide you with an important update regarding The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company.
As you know, the Hythe Ferry is an iconic and historic transport link, and since acquiring the business in September 2023, Red Funnel’s goal has been to maintain this vital service. During this time, we operated over 5,500 sailings and carried more than 70,000 passengers, ensuring connectivity at a time when the route might otherwise have ended.
Significant investment has been made, including a full vessel refit, pontoon repairs and ongoing operational costs. However, despite these efforts and extensive work to secure additional funding, the service has remained suspended since August 2024 due to infrastructure challenges and funding constraints. Added to this, changes in commuter travel patterns and the Government’s bus cap scheme impacted passenger numbers.
Although Njord partners are delighted to have acquired SIOW late September 2025 and recognises The Hythe Ferry as a vital and historic transport link, it does not consider itself as the best suited partner for this operation, moving forward.
Looking ahead, we are now actively seeking a new owner who shares our vision to restore, modernise and unlock the full potential of this historic route. This is an exciting opportunity to bring innovation and technology to a well-established service with strong local heritage and community support.
Interested parties should contact enquiries@hytheferry.co.uk for more information by 19th February 2026.  In the interest for all parties, it is expected that this process is completed within a rapid timeline.
We continue to work closely with the Hythe Pier Company during this transition and remain committed to supporting colleagues.
While it is disappointing that more progress could not be made to resume the service, we remain hopeful that, with a new investor, the Hythe Ferry will be preserved and developed for generations to come.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Now we know the situation we must work out  how to get the ferry back  up and running

Any interested parties ... to contact the company with a view to helping take it over from a parent that wants to give it up for adoption ... by 19th February

[grahame]

From County Press

The historic Hythe Ferry, owned by Isle of Wight ferry firm Red Funnel, is set to be liquidated.

The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company has announced it is being placed into voluntary liquidation.

The company made the decision after an 18-month search for a solution to revive the service.