Red Funnel Extends Two-Boat Timetable To Complete Vital Maintenance Work

Red Funnel has announced that due to ongoing essential maintenance and engineering works, the company will continue to operate a two-boat vehicle ferry timetable until Saturday, 7 June 2025, with a planned return to its full, three-boat service from Sunday, 8 June 2025.

This extension allows for the completion of critical preventative work on vessels Red Osprey and Red Eagle, identified through recent diagnostic inspections. The maintenance is part of Red Funnel’s extended resilience programme, implemented with the support of the engine manufacturer, which will reduce unexpected service interruptions, particularly ahead of the high-demand summer season.

Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said: 

"We fully understand the importance of a dependable ferry service for our customers and the community.

"Extending the two-boat timetable was not a decision we took lightly but is a further step in delivering our commitment to long-term reliability.

"These upgrades are about keeping the community moving now and into the future, and we’re grateful for the continued support and patience of our customers while we complete this essential work."

Red Funnel typically supports over 2.3m passenger and 800,000 vehicle movements across the Solent each year.

By carrying out this work now, Red Funnel will reduce the risk of mid-season breakdowns, improving overall performance and reliability.

Red Funnel is proactively contacting all affected customers with bookings between 20 May and 7 June 2025, offering support with rebooking or alternative arrangements.

Any impacted customers will be contacted by Thursday, 15 May.

Red Funnel will continue to work closely with local partners to minimise the impact on residents, businesses, and visitors.

For further support, customers can contact CustomerServices@redfunnel.co.uk.