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Red Kestrel Ferry

MV Red Kestrel

Vessel specs and features

Red Funnel’s dedicated freight ferry

Launched into service in spring 2019, Red Kestrel is Red Funnel’s most recent addition to the fleet, built by Cammell Laird in Birkenhead. The ship provides additional year-round freight capacity for the Southampton-East Cowes route. Measuring 74m in length, Red Kestrel provides 265 lane metres of roll-on/roll-off freight capacity and space for up to 12 passengers. 

To book or find out more about our freight service between Southampton and the Isle of Wight, click here

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Red Kestrel Quick Facts

  • Crossing Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Length 74.25m
  • Beam Moulded: 17m
  • Gross Tonnage: 1070Gt
  • Passengers: 12
  • Vehicles: 12 HGV's
  • Crew: 6-7
  • Delivery: Spring 2019

Machinery

  • Engines: 2 x Cummings QSK38 969kW connected to 2 x Rolls Royce US 155 FP Azimuth thrusters
  • Generators: 2 x 80KW Cummins 6B-CP setsSpeed: forward 12.5 knots @ 85% MCR | sideways 3.5 knots

Safety Equipment

  • Inflatable life rafts
  • Lifejackets for persons > 32Kg in weight
  • Lifejackets for persons < 32Kg in weight
  • Infant Lifejackets
  • Fixed NOVEC System for Machinery Space
  • Smoke and Heat Fire Detection System
  • Fireman’s Outfit and Breathing Apparatus
  • International Shore Connection
  • Hydrants, hoses and nozzles
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Fire fighting Equipment
  • Lifebuoys
  • Parachute flares
  • Line Throwing Apparatus
  • CCTV System
Red Kestrel Ferry
Red Kestrel Ferry

Bridge/Navigational Equipment

  • Radar
  • GPS receiver
  • Anemometer
  • Echo Sounder
  • Gyro Compass
  • Fixed VHF DSC radio installations
  • Standard Magnetic Compass
  • Two-way VHF handheld radios
  • Automatic Identification System
  • Electronic Navigation Chart System

Classification

  • Call Sign: MEGW6
  • MMSI: 232019192
  • IMO Number: 9847645
  • Registered Number: 923907
  • Flag: United Kingdom
  • Port of Registry: Southampton
  • Complies with the requirement of International Safety Management Code (ISM Code), ISO9001 and ISO14001 standards.
  • Approved to carry Dangerous Goods
  • Certifying Authority: DNV

Fleet FAQ

View frequently asked questions about our fleet. 

Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended but it is possible to book on arrival, subject to availability of  freight space.

You will need the outbound and return travel dates and times.  The total overall vehicle length (including tractor unit if applicable).  The payload and details of any dangerous goods.  Your account number and purchase order number (if applicable) or debit/credit card details for non-account bookings.

Vans/commercial vehicles up to 8m in length and 4.85m in height can be booked online. To book larger freight vehicles or make booking amendments/cancellations please contact the Freight Department on +44(0)1983 681336 or use our online booking enquiry form.

30-60 minutes before departure (no more than 60 minutes at peak times)

No, customers with adhoc shipments can make and pay for bookings using a debit or credit card by calling the Freight Department (there are no credit card surcharges). Credit account facilities are available for frequent customers.

Credit facilities are available for eligible customers, subject to meeting criteria. Please contact our Freight team for further details +44(0)1983 681336.

If you need to cancel or amend your freight booking, please call the Freight Department in advance of travel on +44(0)1983 681336 with your booking reference to hand.

Yes, Red Funnel carry a wide variety of dangerous goods, for more information please speak to our Hazardous Freight Co-ordinator on +44(0)1983 681252 (Direct Line) or +44(0)1983 681336 (Freight Department)
 

For non-dangerous goods you will only require your booking reference number or e-ticket.
For dangerous goods you will be required to hand in a copy of your Dangerous Goods Note, fully completed and signed.

Please call our Freight team on +44(0)1983 681336 (freight bookings) or +44(0)1983 681252 (dangerous goods bookings).

Although an extra driver is included in the return vehicle cost, we would need to know in advance of travel. Please contact our freight team for more information.

If you are a cash customer, you can pay with a credit or debit card on arrival however please allow additional time for your transaction.

We would always recommend early booking to secure space; however, bookings can be made at any time before entering our Terminals.

Unfortunately, we do not offer parking at our Southampton/East Cowes Terminals.

Any vehicle that exceeds a width of more than 2.55 metres, a length over 19 metres, a weight exceeding 44 tonnes (44,000 kgs) or with a height over 4.85m will be classed as an abnormal load.  Please contact the Freight Department on +44(0)1983 681336 to discuss your requirements allowing at least 24hrs prior to travel.

We are pleased to offer Removal companies a discount for any freight vehicle booking.  Please contact the Freight Department on +44(0)1983 681336 for more information.

Yes, we offer a block booking service for account holders. For more information, please contact the Freight Department on +44(0)1983 681336.

Customer Reviews

1 2 3 4 5
The ferry ran to time it was nice and clean and the staff are polite and friendly.
Thu, Apr 30 2026
1 2 3 4 5
Always very friendly staff, everything was on time no problems ,a very good day
Thu, Apr 30 2026
1 2 3 4 5
We enjoyed the experience as the vessel left on time and arrived on time. It was clean and we were able to sit comfortably with a good view.
Thu, Apr 30 2026