The Scottish ferries fiasco, a result of Scottish National Party governance that incurred over five years’ delay and costs quadrupling to £460 million – is set to repeat itself at the other end of the country – ferry connections to the Isle of Wight (IOW).
Design and certification Issues meant certification for Ferguson’s design was delayed, affecting the Scottish ships’ dual fuel engines. And Scottish government’s decision to proceed with the contract without full guarantees weakened the position of the preferred bidder.
Overall, the project left the people of Scotland and island communities badly let down, with serious concerns about governance, transparency, accountability, and communication.
That sinking feeling is expected to be repeated at the other end of the country to Isle of Wight services operated by Red Funnel Steamers, and Wightlink.
But this time – now sunning herself in the Greek islands – Minister for Transport Heidi Alexander’s in the dock with her Department of Transport (DafT) having undertaken to ensure continuity of IOW connections with the mainland. This follows on from then prime minister Kier Starmer pledging to refer the IOW ferry companies to the Competition & Merger’s Commission “to see whether intervention is needed”.
Red Funnel is up to its gunnels in debt – it recorded a loss for 2023 of nearly £200 million with six directors resigning in the past 18 months. Red Funnel purchased the historic Hythe Ferry in 2023. But damage was found on the Hythe Pier, and the service was halted. It hasn’t started since.
Wightlink runs from Portsmouth and Lymington but is also so loaded with debt that local commentators doubt it can keep running throughout the approaching winter.
The Isle of Wight Observer regularly reports breakdowns – services are stricken with cancellations. Like Scottish island residents, Isle of Wight residents, and visitors that flock to its regular open air pop concerts, have no alternative.
Another British invention that took the world by storm – US forces bought them for combat duties in the Vietnam War – the Hydrofoil, can still be used to transport yourself and family to the Isle of Wight from Southsea. The 10 minute journey to Ryde costs standard single £25 and a day return £34.
ENDS
Picture of a hydrofoil courtesy of Pixabay.
Author Richard Town is a former GLC councillor and metropolitan police driver. He writes here on behalf of The Alliance of British Drivers (ABD).
On leaving Southampton College in the ‘60s, trained to be a ships’ radio operator, Richard Town sailed Viking II car ferry from Southampton to Cherbourg and LeHavre. The Ro-On, Ro-Off ferry became a Ro-On, Ro-Off, Ro-Over ferry when bow staff didn’t correctly secure bow loading doors leading to catastrophic flooding of the car decks and capsize.
For all media enquiries, contact Paul Naylor on 07914 304 504 or email paul@mediaandyou.co.uk
Notes: Founded in 1992, the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) is the leading organisation promoting the interests and concerns of drivers in the United Kingdom.
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