RED Funnel is the world’s first domestic ferry operator to receive the DNV GL Covid-19 Statement of Compliance.

The assessment certifies Red Funnel has established reasonable measures to safeguard passengers, employees and crew from the infection.

Red Funnel has remained in operation throughout the pandemic to and from the Isle of Wight, ensuring its travel guidance consistently reflects the most current UK Government recommendations, while taking steps to minimise the spread of the infection.

In order to gain the accreditation, a third-party verification of the company, terminals and vessels was performed remotely by DNV GL, Maritime Advisory experts based in Hamburg, Germany.

Fran Collins, chief executive of Red Funnel, said: “We are very pleased to be the first domestic ferry operator in the world to have obtained this.

"This achievement recognises the daily efforts of our teams, both ashore and afloat, in going above and beyond to ensure the Government’s health guidelines are met and adhered to.

"The health and safety of our passengers has always been our key priority and we have been continuously adopting our operations to ensure safe travel for our customers.”