Red Funnel’s first new vehicle ferry could enter service by the end of 2029, but the anticipated new passenger ferries have suffered a setback.
Red Funnel CEO Fran Collins has confirmed the Raptor replacement programme to bring in new car ferries should see the first replacement in operation in three years time.
However, she warned of local electrification infrastructure being a bottleneck to its introduction, and this is also holding up the new passenger ferries which were due to enter service by now.
Ms Collins said: “Red Funnel’s Raptor replacement programme is continuing at speed. We are exploring opportunities with potential partners, and aim to have the first replacement vehicle ferry entering service by the end of 2029.
"We are keen to ensure that replacement vessels are net zero compliant but again, the local infrastructure is not yet in place to support fully electric operation.
“Alongside vessel development, we are actively engaging with government, local MPs and industry partners on the provision of reliable and affordable electricity and the infrastructure required to support maritime electrification across the Solent and this requires collaboration between operators, government and energy providers.
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“We are investing in vessels and technology, but government has a vital role to play in delivering the infrastructure needed to make electrification a reality.”
Red Funnel's replacement plans involve three new vehicle ferries.
Ms Collins also provided an update on the company's project with Artemis Technologies to introduce a new Red Jet - stating it is taking longer than expected due to the 'lack of electrification in the Southampton area'.
The new vessel was previously due to enter service by early 2026.
She said: "We continue to work with Artemis Technologies on a high-speed, fully electric foot passenger vessel.
"This is taking longer than we had expected due to the lack of electrification in the Southampton area and we have been working with local and national stakeholders to understand more about the supply issues."
MPs, maritime leaders and Southampton port owners called for “urgent action” to tackle a lack of grid capacity in a joint letter to the Government in December 2025.
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