Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2020

9 3 this going as long as we possibly could, but ultimately, with only a handful of passengers using the service and some sailings operating empty, we had to suspend it. “Happily, we resumed a revised timetable on this service at the end of June, and although numbers remain very low, we are optimistic that there will be an increase in demand as restrictions continue to be relaxed.” Collins says the level of engagement from government was extraordinary, unexpected and much appreciated. “We had plenty of engagement with the Department for Transport and weekly industry calls with Minister Kelly Tolhurst,” she says. “Having worked with government to secure a relaxation of competition regulation to enable the provision of a joint lifeline timetable, we also received a proportion of the emergency grant package put together to support lifeline services on the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Scilly. However, while very welcome, this did not cover the costs of maintaining the service and we still face ongoing challenges as we move into the next stage of the pandemic.” Outwardly, Red Funnel adapted quickly to the pandemic, undertaking many changes. “Notable customer- facing measures we took included the reduction of onboard passenger capacity to help enable social distancing,” says Collins. “We also offered ‘stay in vehicle’ crossings in support of shielding customers, something Red Funnel led the way in developing with the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Further, we adopted a policy for all customer-facing staff to wear face coverings and undergo temperature testing prior to the start of shifts.” It is an effort that helped Red Funnel become the world’s first ferry operator to receive the DNV GL Covid-19 Statement of Compliance. The future outlook is difficult to predict but Red Funnel has seen a reasonable increase in bookings since the government allowed the reopening of tourism. “It’s still a long way from what we would normally expect; consumer behaviours and travel patterns have changed enormously and at the moment it is hard to tell if these will be permanent shifts or if we’re going to see movement back to previous patterns as we readjust,” says Collins. “One thing is clear for us at Red Funnel though – since our inception in 1861, we’ve continuously evolved our business to support the Isle of Wight throughout numerous world events, and this will be no different. We’ll still be supporting the Solent for many years to come.” CFR Photo: Justin Merrigan