UK ferry operator handled 38.5% of the passengers crossing the Solent strait last year
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries handled 38.5% of the passengers crossing Solent strait between the UK port of Southampton and the Isle of Wight in 2014.
Customer numbers on the ferry operator’s Southampton-West Cowes route increased by 3.7%, while there was a 7.8% rise in passengers on the Southampton-East Cowes service. Cars, coaches and freight vehicles also increased by 9.7%, 10.8% and 9.6% respectively.
In cross-Solent market share terms, Red Funnel increased its share of the car market to a record 39.7%.
“We are delighted that more customers than ever are choosing Red Funnel and I would like to thank everybody who travelled with us in 2014,” said Kevin George, CEO of Red Funnel. “Our strategy of offering competitive fares, investing in our ships and terminals and training our staff to deliver superb levels of service is changing the perceptions of Red Funnel. This is making us the first choice for an increasing number of visitors.”
This year, Red Funnel will adjust sailing schedules and offer two additional return journeys on its Southampton-East Cowes service. Available from Monday to Friday from 27 March, the first new sailing will depart at 2:40am from Southampton and 4:05am from East Cowes, providing additional freight capacity. The second new sailing, designed to cater for the growing number of short-break and weekend visitors from London, UK, will be offered each Friday night, leaving Southampton at 8:10pm and East Cowes at 9:40pm.
As in previous years, additional services will operate during the Isle of Wight Festival, Bestival and the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.
In addition, Red Osprey will return to service this spring following a £2.2 million refurbishment, while Red Funnel’s plans for new terminals in Southampton and East Cowes have been finalised.