By Isle of Wight Observer
Red Funnel’s new freight ferry, Red Kestrel has officially entered service, following a successful few weeks of sea trials in the Solent.
Red Kestrel marks Red Funnel’s first dedicated roll-on-roll-off freight ship since the company’s inception almost 160 years ago. Red Kestrel will operate between Southampton and the Isle of Wight and, as a freight vessel, she is limited to 12 passengers and constructed specifically to provide additional year-round freight capacity for Red Funnel’s Southampton to East Cowes route.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said on Friday: “Today marks a huge milestone in Red Funnel’s history and the Isle of Wight, and we are incredibly proud that we can support the Island with its freight requirements. Red Kestrel is unlike any of our ferries and will play a very significant role within the business. It will increase our capacity to transport more private vehicles, enhancing convenience for our customers and giving them more options for when they wish to travel.”
