One of the Isle of Wight’s most recognisable hovercraft has departed The Solent for the final time, marking the end of an era for a craft once used on Hovertravel’s Ryde-Southsea route.
Solent Express was lifted aboard the heavy-lift cargo ship BBC LIMA in Southampton on 24th June, ahead of its journey to a new life in the Caspian Sea.
The operation provided a rare sight as the 38m, 70-tonne, 2007-built BHT-130 hovercraft was hoisted clear of the water before being carefully lowered into the cargo ship.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Solent Express has been sold for a new role supporting offshore oil and gas operations in the Caspian Sea. Once at its destination, the vessel is set to be renamed Caspian Eagle and modified for its new operational role.
BBC LIMA departed Southampton on 26th June, taking Solent Express out of The Solent for the last – but not the first – time…
In July 2007, Solent Express completed a 530-mile journey to Scotland for a 2-week passenger trial across the Firth of Forth between Fife and Edinburgh. She carried more than 30,000 passengers across the fortnight, completing 284 crossings.
The former Hovertravel craft has been out of passenger service for several years, having been withdrawn following a major prop shaft failure in 2011. However, Solent Express did return to the water in October 2020 – albeit not for passenger service – after being inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, having spent a long period laid up.
BBC LIMA is currently off the coast of Italy as the hovercraft continues its journey East.
This was the last large hovercraft designed on the Island and fitted out at St Helens. Its launch generated considerable media interest, as it was the largest hovercraft manufactured since the SR.N4 in Cowes.
Derived from the successful AP1-88, which took Hovertravel to the peak of its success.
Compared to the flimsy 12000TDs, it offered superior seakeeping and was able to handle wind gusts of up to 40 knots.
What an unceremonious end to hovercraft design and manufacturing on the Isle of Wight.