Just 24 hours after re-entering service, Red Funnel’s Red Osprey vehicle ferry is experiencing yet more engine troubles resulting in cancellations on the East Cowes-Southampton route today (Tuesday).
The cross-Solent operator says that the 09:00 sailing from East Cowes has been pulled this morning due to a technical issue with the main aft engine.
It was on Friday night that problems with Osprey’s engine first came to light which resulted in some cancellations on Friday and throughout Saturday. Then, on Sunday, a further 12 timetabled sailings were scrapped to enable engineers to resolve the problem.
Red Osprey re-entered service yesterday morning (Monday) after successful sea trials first thing. But now, just 24 hours later, the engine woes have returned.
It comes just days after an issue was identified with the aft engine on board Red Eagle too, which also led to cancellations. The third vessel in the fleet, Red Falcon, is currently in dry dock for annual refit.
UPDATE @ 09:53 – Red Funnel has now cancelled a further 4 sailings, due to the continuing engine issues.
The 10:30 and 13:30 sailings from Southampton have been pulled,a alongside the 12:00 and 15:00 sailings from East Cowes.
UPDATE @ 12:13 – Red Osprey’s engine troubles have been resolved, with Red Funnel’s vehicle ferry returning to a normal timetabled operation.
Best get engineers who know what they are doing.
And lay in a stock of spares.
give it up sell off the business..
good job the forward engine still works…………………
“successful sea trials” – what do unsuccessful ones look like?
Better order 3 new ships now and look around for some to charter in the meantime. Oh, I nearly forgot, that would require spending money which they would rather syphon off to greedy shareholders.
Is there a chance that the Royal Navy own these ferry’s? It reminds me of the nations two new aircraft carriers. If these engines are a problem, remove them and replace them with engines that work and can cope with this type of work, simples.