For the past few months, high-speed passenger ferries traversing the Solent have experienced significant disruptions, with Red Funnel announcing suspensions and ongoing repairs to its services to and from the Isle of Wight.
Red Funnel reported that while Red Jet 6 remains operational and in service, Red Jet 7 is undergoing essential repairs, and Red Jet 4, now 20 years old, is not scheduled to return to passenger service.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, issued an apology for the disruptions and cancellations, expressing regret that the service had not met expectations.
The company attributed the recent challenges to a combination of weather-related cancellations and mechanical setbacks, particularly during January and February.
Staffing issues also contributed to the disruptions, although Ms. Collins assured the public that an appropriately sized team, including adequate backup cover, is now in place.
In response to the ongoing challenges, Red Funnel is actively working on its vehicle ferry fleet replacement program. With two vessels reaching the 30-year mark in 2024, the company sees modernization and sustainability as integral to improving service reliability.
The replacement of aging vessels with more modern alternatives is seen as the ultimate solution to ensuring a dependable service for passengers.
Despite the efforts to address the disruptions, passengers are advised to stay updated by checking online timetables before embarking on their journeys.
This proactive approach is aimed at minimizing inconvenience and ensuring that passengers are informed of any changes to their travel plans.