Hythe Ferry Company Enters Voluntary Liquidation After Failed Rescue Efforts

The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company has entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation after efforts to secure a long-term future for the historic service proved unsuccessful.

The ferry, owned by Red Funnel, has been out of operation for the past 18 months while attempts were made to find a sustainable solution to bring it back into service.

During that time, a range of options were explored, including seeking additional funding, applying for grants and inviting interest from potential investors or alternative operators.

However, no viable proposals were secured.

The Hythe Ferry has served as a key transport link for generations and is widely regarded as an important part of the local community’s heritage.

A spokesperson for The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company said:

“Over the past 18 months, The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company and its owners have worked extensively to find a sustainable solution that would allow the Hythe Ferry to resume service.

"During this time, every possible avenue has been explored, including seeking additional funding, exploring grant opportunities and actively inviting interest from potential investors or operators who may have taken the business forward.

“Despite these extensive efforts, sadly no viable proposals or interested parties have come forward.

"As a result, the directors of the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company have reluctantly concluded that it is no longer able to see a way to restore the service.

“Following legal advice, the decision has therefore been taken to place the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company into creditors’ voluntary liquidation.

"Corporate restructure specialists Leonard Curtis have been appointed to assist with this process.

“This is a very sad outcome. The Hythe Ferry is a much-loved service with significant heritage value, and this decision has only been reached after exhausting every possible option over an extended period.

“Throughout the suspension of the service, which began due to infrastructure challenges, the company continued to support its employees and ensured that staff were paid while efforts were ongoing to secure a solution.

"All staff members have been contacted and will be supported through the process by the liquidators.

“We would like to thank the staff of Hythe Ferry, customers, stakeholders and the wider community who have supported the ferry over the years.

"While this outcome is extremely disappointing, every effort has been made over the past 18 months to find a viable path forward for the business.”

Corporate restructuring firm Leonard Curtis has been appointed to oversee the liquidation process.

Staff have been informed of the decision and will be supported by the appointed liquidators.

The closure marks a significant moment for the long-standing ferry service, which has been part of the region’s transport network for generations.