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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’ll need outward and return travel dates/times, total vehicle length (including tractor unit if applicable), payload, details of any dangerous goods, credit account number and purchase order or debit/credit card details.

Vans/commercial vehicles up to 8m in length and 4.9m in height can be booked online. To book larger freight vehicles or make a booking amendment/cancellation please give us a call on +44(0)1983 681336 or use our online booking enquiry form.

30-60 minutes before departure (not more than 60 minutes at peak times)

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

A non-credit account will be created for customers when booking for the first time.
Credit accounts are available for businesses trading for at least two years who are intent on spending in excess of £2k per annum with Red Funnel.
Other types of account are also available - please contact us for more information.

If you need to cancel or amend your freight booking, please call the Freight Department in advance of travel on 01983 681336 with your booking reference to hand.

Yes, Red Funnel carry a wide variety of hazardous cargoes for more information please speak to our Hazardous Co-ordinators on 01983 681336.

Please contact a member of the Freight team for more information 01983 681336 or email [email protected]

For non-hazardous customers you will only require your booking reference number. 

For hazardous customers you will be required to hand in a copy of your Dangerous Goods Note, fully signed.

Please call our Freight team on 01983 681336.

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 credit 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 Terminal. 

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

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Customer Reviews

View all
1 2 3 4 5
Never have any issues apart from usual...cost. Staff very friendly and helpful as always.
Sun, Dec 8 2024
1 2 3 4 5
It was a great experience, left on time and arrived on time.
Sat, Dec 7 2024
1 2 3 4 5
excellent
Fri, Dec 6 2024