Wightlink has marked a major milestone as the Fishbourne-Portsmouth car ferry route celebrates 100 years of service across the Solent, serving the residents and businesses of the Isle of Wight.
To mark the centenary, a special sailing brought together past and present crew, local dignitaries and some long-standing customers and business partners on a special round trip last Friday (20th March).
Guests boarded Victoria of Wight and spent the afternoon speaking with staff and exploring the history of the route through a specially created onboard timeline.
First introduced in March 1926 by the Southern Railway Company, the crossing has grown from a small-scale operation into the Island’s busiest link with the mainland.
Operated by Wightlink since 1990, the service remains the company’s busiest route, with regular sailings taking around 45 minutes and carrying thousands of passengers and vehicles each day.
Speaking at the event, Captain Sam Mitchell said:
“This centenary gives us a moment to honour the history of this route and to recognise the people who built the Portsmouth to Fishbourne service and those who continue to uphold its standards every day.
Article continues below this advertisement “It has been a privilege for me to represent them today.”
Wightlink has continued to invest in more modern vessels and infrastructure to meet changing demands. This includes the introduction of Victoria of Wight in 2018, England’s first hybrid-powered ferry. The Fishbourne and Gunwharf terminals have also been upgraded to increase efficiency and provide more facilities for customers.
Speaking to Island Echo on board Victoria of Wight last week, Wightlink’s Chief Executive Katy Taylor said:
“It’s super interesting to be part of something that’s so much bigger and longer than you are. I am really just a custodian for the time that I’m here, and one of many people who will take Wightlink on its journey over the next hundred years.
“That brings a real responsibility, because the decisions we make now have to be right not just for today, but for the long term. It’s about making sure the business is sustainable, that we are investing in our ships and infrastructure, modernising, and making sure we have the right people and skills for the future.
“At the same time, we are facing a number of headwinds – from government decisions such as national insurance increases, business rates and emissions taxes, to wider challenges like fuel costs and changing passenger numbers. All of those factors shape how we operate and how we invest going forward.”
Congratulations Wightlink, to celebrate wouldn’t it be
a wonderful gesture to offer all Islanders a return ticket
at 1926 prices.
Don’t be silly, that would mean that we could afford to use the ferry !