The assets of the former Hythe & Southampton Ferry Company have been sold to The Hythe Pier Company in a move aimed at safeguarding the future of the historic Southampton Water crossing once operated by Red Funnel.
Liquidators Leonard Curtis have completed the sale for an undisclosed sum, with the acquisition including a range of strategic assets associated with the long-established ferry operation.
The Hythe-Southampton route, which was owned and operated by Red Funnel, has connected communities across Southampton Water for generations. The new owners say their priority is to preserve the opportunity for a future passenger service while supporting local tourism and maritime heritage.
Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan, Director of The Hythe Pier Company, has said:
“This acquisition is first and foremost about protecting the future of this historic route, as well as creating an opportunity for a future service across Southampton Water.
“Over the last few decades, different parts of the service have become increasingly fragmented. I therefore saw this as the perfect opportunity to bring many of them back together. Whilst this does not mean the immediate return of a scheduled ferry service, it does give us the best possible foundation to explore what comes next.”
Conrad Beighton, who led the sale negotiations on behalf of Leonard Curtis, has said:
“We are delighted that we have managed to secure the sale of such important assets in very challenging circumstances.
Article continues below this advertisement “This will hopefully enable The Hythe Pier Company to deliver a brighter outlook for everyone associated with the long-established waterway service.”
Discussions are already taking place with potential operators and partners about what a future service might look like and how a sustainable transport link across Southampton Water could once again be delivered.
Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan added:
“There is a huge amount of work ahead, but this is an important step towards protecting the future of a service that has connected communities across Southampton Water for generations.”
The Hythe-Southampton service ceased operating earlier this year after Hythe & Southampton Ferry Company Limited entered liquidation.
