By Carole Dennett
It’s all change for two of the Island’s cross-Solent ferry operators with the announcement that the MD of Hovertravel will be taking up a new position in May.
Neil Chapman is clearly a man who relishes a challenge, as he has taken on the job of Operations Director at troubled ferry firm Red Funnel.
Mr Chapman will be stepping into the shoes (not literally) of Scotland resident Leanna Lakes, who left the company last Friday. CEO Fran Collins pointedly did not praise his predecessor as she announced Mr Chapman’s new job – had she done so it would have doubtless raised eyebrows, as the unreliability of Red Funnel’s services are well known.
A recent manifestation of that was when it was announced last week that Red Osprey, who only returned from her annual refit on February 25, would be out of service from April 22 to May 19 for essential maintenance, including a major engine service and replacing the Voith unit. Why this wasn’t scheduled to take place during the refit, as happened with Red Falcon, maybe only the recently departed Ms Lakes could tell.
In December last year Red Funnel trumpeted that they would return to a three-boat service in March. They just didn’t mention that it would be only for March! And surely rumours that Ms Lakes failed to order the correct pipes for the new toilet system on Red Jet 7, meaning the newly refurbished vessel is repeatedly out of service to have dirty water pumped out at significant expense are wide of the mark.
Mr Chapman will also presumably be overseeing the introduction of Red Funnel’s all-electric passenger ferry. Its delivery has been delayed from the end of this year, although no new dates have been announced.
Artemis Solutions, Red Funnel’s partner in the project have described their lease solution as “No Risk” as it provides “access to the state-of-the-art Zero Emission Passenger Ferry but also ensures that this asset comes with an unparalleled guarantee: the elimination of technical, financial, and operational risks.” Surely, nobody would be churlish enough to point out that technology as yet untested on vessels of this size may have teething problems. But there is reportedly almost £5,000 a day of “liquidated damages” payable to Red Funnel if the vessel is out of service. Sadly, nobody appears to have mentioned “liquidated damages” for the Island’s residents, businesses or visitors if their plans are interrupted by service failures.
Mr Chapman clearly understands the challenges ahead of him. He said: “I understand it is essential for Islanders to have access to a reliable service, and Red Funnel has a unique responsibility as a lifeline service provider. At the heart of my role will be ensuring safety and reliability.”
We can only wish him every success, Mr Chapman certainly spends much more time on the Island than his predecessor did. Ms Collins was keen to point out that the company had “ensured full compliance with the Competition Act 1998 in making Neil’s appointment”.
However, as one person who knows the situation well told the IW Observer, “One does have to wonder about this ongoing game of musical chairs. First Paul Winter hops as chief financial officer from Red Funnel to Wightlink, and now Neil Chapman swaps company. In a market that barely qualifies as competitive, the recycling of the same faces does begin to feel just a touch stale.”
