RED FUNNEL LOOKING TO REPLACE TRIO OF ‘AGEING’ VEHICLE FERRIES

Cross-Solent operator Red Funnel has said that it is keen to replace its ‘ageing’ vehicle ferries with greener and more customer-friendly ships. No exact date for a fleet replacement has been given, but ongoing issues on all 3 of Red Funnel’s Raptor-class vehicle ferries have become more prevalent in recent times which highlights the need for new ferries on the East Cowes-Southampton route. Red Osprey and Red Falcon first entered service back in 1994 with Red Eagle introduced some 2 years later. In 2019, Red Kestrel – a freight-only vessel – was introduced. Between 2003 and 2005 the vehicle ferries were refitted and extended both in length and height – with the secondary vehicle deck introduced – following works undertaken in Poland.

During the middle of the last decade, all 3 vessels underwent significant internal refurbishment too and remain almost the same today. In more recent years, Red Funnel has encountered significant problems with the 30-year-old fleet including voith propulsion problems, engine and navigational issues, anchor issues, toilet troubles and many more. There was last major disruption on the cross-Solent service back in January this year  – as previously reported by Island Echo. A spokesperson from Red Funnel has said:

“Red Funnel, like most companies, periodically reviews its Board structures and memberships, and the recent change is in support of our fleet replacement programme. “We are keen to replace our aging vehicle ferries to ensure we continue to provide our essential lifeline services for decades to come, and to support residents and visitors alike with modern, greener and more customer-friendly ships.”

Red Eagle returned from her annual refit, undertaken in Falmouth, earlier today (Thursday).