Red Funnel is celebrating a remarkable 165 years today (Thursday), with the historic ferry operator marking the milestone on the Solent and declaring that the ‘shackles are well and truly off’ as it looks towards its next chapter.
The ferry operator was formally established on 10th September 1861 as the Southampton, Isle of Wight and South of England Royal Mail Steam Packet Company Limited – a name which remains the UK’s longest-registered company title.
To commemorate today’s anniversary, invited guests joined Red Funnel on board for a special afternoon tea, surrounded by historical memorabilia brought out of the company’s archives at its Bugle Street offices in Southampton.
Guests were invited to sign a visitors’ book, use one of the company’s historic stamps and reflect on a history which has seen Red Funnel become, according to Chief Executive Fran Collins, the 5th oldest registered company in the UK still trading.
Speaking during today’s anniversary crossing, Fran reflected on the generations of employees, passengers and Islanders who have shaped the company, while setting out her confidence in its future.
Fran said:
“Red Funnel has always been entrepreneurial and it’s embraced evolution. We are a bold, brave company.
“Whilst our wings were a little bit clipped in recent years, I can assure you that the shackles are well and truly off.
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With new owners and partners, Fran said Red Funnel is investing in its fleet, ports and people, with a focus on improving reliability and making the customer experience easier.
She told guests that the pace of technological change means the company must continue to evolve while retaining lessons learned during its 165-year history.
Fran added:
“Society is changing, and we will change with it. Red Funnel’s core purpose is to connect the Isle of Wight, and we will never forget that.”
In a written message produced especially for the anniversary, Fran said:
“For 165 years, Red Funnel has been woven into the story of the Isle of Wight, Southampton and the Solent, helping generations of people, businesses and communities to grow, prosper and stay connected.
“As the world has changed around us and technology has advanced, we have remained a constant presence, serving the Island and those who depend on us.”
FROM PADDLE STEAMERS TO CAR FERRIES
Although today’s anniversary marks 165 years since the company was formally established, its history on the Solent stretches back further.
Regular steam packet services between Southampton and the Isle of Wight began in 1820, before the company known today as Red Funnel was established in 1861.
Paddle and steam dominated its early years, with vessels carrying passengers between the Island and mainland at a time when steam power was transforming travel.
Red Funnel later expanded into tug operations, running a tug business from 1885 until 2002.
Among the more remarkable episodes in its history, 6 of the company’s tugs were involved in taking RMS Titanic in and out of Southampton at the beginning of the liner’s maiden voyage.
Red Funnel vessels and crews also served during the First and Second World Wars and supported Allied operations around Dunkirk and Normandy.
Princess Elizabeth, a former Red Funnel vessel involved at Dunkirk, remains in the French port today.
165 YEARS OF CHANGE ON THE SOLENT
The company’s vessels have evolved dramatically over the decades.
Medina II became Red Funnel’s first diesel-powered passenger vessel in 1931, while the now-familiar black-topped red funnel has been a feature of the Solent since 1935.
Carisbrooke Castle arrived as a purpose-built car ferry in 1959, reflecting the growing importance of the motor car and changing the way vehicles could be transported between the Isle of Wight and mainland.
Hydrofoils followed in 1969, while roll-on/roll-off ferries transformed vehicle travel during the 1970s.
A new generation of high-speed catamarans arrived in 1991, leading towards today’s Hi-Speed Red Jet operation.
Modern Red Funnel vessels now use radar, satellite navigation, advanced communications and other technology that passengers travelling aboard the company’s earliest steamers could scarcely have imagined.
Despite those changes, Red Funnel says its fundamental purpose has remained constant – connecting the Isle of Wight with the mainland and carrying generations of Islanders, commuters, businesses, holidaymakers and visitors across the Solent.
Today’s anniversary celebration also featured live entertainment from violinist Emma-Marie and members of Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, also known as Trinity Theatre.
