Red Funnel has outlined a series of fleet refits as it attempts to steady services after months of disruption on the Solent.
Red Funnel says several of its vehicle ferries and Red Jet vessels are either returning from annual maintenance or preparing to enter shipyards in the coming weeks, as the operator looks to address ongoing reliability concerns.
The company insists planned refits are critical to long-term performance and form part of a wider push to improve consistency across its cross-Solent operation.
Red Falcon has now returned to service after completing her annual refit following a spell in dry dock at Falmouth. The work included hull maintenance, repainting, propulsion system activity and a series of engineering upgrades. However, the ferry is expected to be withdrawn again briefly in March to complete further propulsion works ahead of Easter.
Red Osprey has also completed her annual refit and is back in operation. Planned maintenance and servicing were carried out in Falmouth, before final works were completed in Southampton.
Meanwhile, Red Eagle is currently undergoing planned wet-dock maintenance in Southampton. The work forms part of her annual servicing cycle, with additional dry-dock works scheduled in Falmouth during March. A full return to service is expected by Easter — a key period for Island tourism and mainland travel alike.
On the high-speed route, Red Jet 6 has completed her annual refit in East Cowes. Alongside routine maintenance, interior upgrades have been carried out in a bid to improve passenger comfort.
Red Jet 7 is next in line, with her annual refit now scheduled for March 2026 following changes to shipyard availability. The work will take place at Wight Shipyard between 5th and 24th March, after which the vessel is due to return to service.
The vehicle ferries are way past their sell by date. A disgusting lack of investment over the years due to the greed of the fat cat shareholders and top management which equates to a third world service for its captive Islanders.
Too be honest I am not bothered what they look like
as long as they are running and don’t charge too much.
I would be happy to pay a much reduced charge and drive
onto a barge like vessel that just travels across the solent.
Nice and easy.
Scrap them all.
Build a tunnel they rarely operate anymore are too slow, too expensive, rip off food.
They could easily extend Ryde Pier, job done.
just walk or drive across.
No refits or out of service time on fixed inks necessary
Red Osprey has completed her annual refit. They clearly omitted the North Lounge toilet.