Hovertravel Named Ferry Operator Of The Year At National Awards

Hovertravel has been named Ferry Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards 2025, held in London last week.

The travel company, which runs the world’s longest-operating passenger hovercraft service, won the top award ahead of fellow finalists Caledonian MacBrayne and Uber Boat by Thames Clipper.

It’s the first time Hovertravel has taken home the title, after being shortlisted several times in previous years.

Loretta Lale, Head of Marketing at Hovertravel, said the recognition was a reflection of the hard work of staff across the business:

“We are honoured and humbled to win Ferry Operator of the Year 2025.

"This award is truly for our people — the teams in our terminals, our engineers, our pilots and our crew — who make Hovertravel such a special service every single day.”

Hovertravel operates the only year-round passenger hovercraft service outside Japan, connecting the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth in under ten minutes.

The service is considered an important transport link for commuters, students, and patients travelling to mainland healthcare services.

The award comes in Hovertravel’s 60th anniversary year, marking six decades of operation across the Solent.