HISTORIC PHOTOS: RED FUNNEL CELEBRATES 160 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Cross Solent operator, Red Funnel, has officially reached its 160th birthday, marking over a century and a half of travel between the Isle of Wight and mainland – serving as the island’s original and longest-standing ferry operator.

The ferry operator first launched in 1861 as the ‘Southampton Isle of Wight and South of England Royal Mail Steam Packet Company Limited’. During its long history it has hosted millions of passengers, from islanders and commuters to families exploring the Isle of Wight, to celebrities and royals.

To commemorate its milestone anniversary this Autumn, Red Funnel will be launching 2 new community initiatives to bring together island partners and residents. The projects will draw on the Island’s creative roots and have been inspired by the local environment. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Article continues below this advertisement

Fran Collins, Chief Executive at Red Funnel said:

“We are extremely proud to reach our 160th year – over the decades we’ve experienced so much change, from 2 world wars and supporting the Dunkirk evacuations, to welcoming the first ever Isle of Wight festival-goers on board in 1968 and not to forget Red Funnel’s significant involvement in the story of Titanic. The Island is so unique and has so much to offer, and we are extremely privileged to be a part of its history, identity and future.

“Since the onset of the pandemic, I’ve often thought about our predecessors and considered the challenges we know they faced. There’s a comfort in knowing that during that last 160 years, no matter what, they kept going. Through wars, recessions, pandemics – they persevered and kept sailing. Today their legacy lives on as we continue to uphold their unwavering spirit of strength and resilience, and that enduring commitment to our Island community spanning 16 decades.”

As part of its commitment to the Island, Red Funnel has nurtured relationships across the region, including the likes of Isle of Wight Independent Lifeboats, Mountbatten Isle of Wight, and the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, raising over £300,000 for charitable causes since 2015.

Each year its customers and team of over 400 colleagues raise funds for a nominated Charity of the Year, with nominations set to open for 2022 this Christmas.

Article continues below this advertisement

The History of Red Funnel

Despite what the name would suggest, Red Funnel’s fleet was not painted red until the mid-1930s. Prior to this, Red Funnel ferries had a variety of liveries including: buff funnels, black hulls and red bottoms in 1899, and red funnels, black hulls and cream upperworks between 1932-1934 – to name a few! As 1935 arrived, the Red Funnel fleet that we’ve come to know and love was born and the fleet was re-designed with black tops and red bottoms, to help differentiate the company’s steamers from other vessels.

In 1969 the first Red Funnel logo was designed and applied to the new hydrofoils that were in the early stages of entering service. Later in 1991, a new corporate identity was developed, with the release of new Hi-Speed catamarans. The final stage of that rebrand was in 1994, which involved the launch of the new ‘Raptor’ class ferries, featuring black bottoms, red hulls, white upper decks with a grey side band, and a black Red Funnel name and strapline.

As steam gave way to diesel, Red Funnel experienced major technological developments. During the 1930s the Solent ferry company developed the first diesel powered vessel with no paddle wheels to make the Solent to East Cowes crossing. As Red Funnel progressed into the late 1930s, the last paddle steamer boat was constructed before it switched all new shipping innovations to diesel. When the Solent ferry company neared to the 1970s the first Red Funnel Shearwater hydrofoil was introduced.

This industry leading service offered its passengers a fast service between Cowes and Southampton. With the introduction of the Red Jet class of passenger ferries from 1991 onwards, the hydrofoils were used less and the last one was disposed of in 1999.

When the company reached the end of the 20th century it took a revolutionary step forward by introducing Red Jet 1 into service. She was the first waterjet propelled scheduled high-speed ferry on the Solent. As Red Funnel moved into the early 2000s Red Jet 6 was unveiled, which came with a variety of new technologies to improve passenger comfort, reliability and reduce running costs. The latest Hi-Speed catamaran to be welcomed into the fleet is Red Jet 7, which entered the water for the first time in June 2018.

In 1914, the outbreak of the war signalled the end of many of the Solent’s piers and excursion routes. Where piers no longer existed, landings were made using the ship’s boats or via the services of local longshoremen. As more piers were built and paddlers got faster, however, longer trips and even excursions to France were possible.

As the 1930s arrived, Red Funnel started to operate a variety of popular excursions once again. This map from the 1930s shows many of the popular steamer routes Red Funnel offered up until 1968, when excursion sailings were eventually phased out.

During its 160 years, Red Funnel has worked with many organisations to help protect the environment. One of its biggest projects during this time has been, Red Goes Green – Red Funnel’s long-term environment strategy to help tackle climate change. Since its launch, to highlight a few ways that Red Funnel is running in a more sustainable way include:

• Returning nearly 8,000 litres of cooking oil to its supplier to be turned into biodiesel or animal feed.
• Replacing terminal vehicles with new electric models.
• Sourcing paper from sustainable forests and recycling at least 20% of waste, including paper, cardboard, and batteries.
• In 2018 Red Funnel announced its partnership with the Environment Centre and Southampton’s Clean Air Network with the launch of its anti-idling campaign.
• Trialled several new technologies on Red Falcon, including the use of biofuels and fuel additives.

Over the past 160 years, Red Funnel has supported many charities and organisations, including the likes of Isle of Wight Independent Lifeboats, Mountbatten Isle of Wight, and the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.

Red Funnel also operates a scheme called ‘Good Neighbours’, a community grant programme to help local community groups based on the island.

The fund is available for groups to support local projects and core running costs, as well as travel across the Solent. You can find out more about the scheme here: https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/en/corporate-info/community-support/social-responsibility/good-neighbours/

You can also find out more about the history of Red Funnel on its website.