Red Funnel completes Terminal 1 redevelopment

Red Funnel has completed the first phase of renovation works to Terminal 1 in Southampton that will provide customers with a more accessible travel experience.

The works were made as part of a £2 million investment into upgrades, that included the installation of brand-new check in booths to replace the previous structures, which became damaged after an HGV lorry accident in September 2021.

A total of four new check in booths have been installed, with new and improved configurations. As well as the new check in booths, the vehicle entrance to the yard has been resurfaced to correct the levelling within the terminal marshalling yard and designated illuminated signage for each car waiting lanes has been added to improve visibility for customers travelling in the early morning or evening.

The lower linkspan has also undergone preventive maintenance to ensure that it is working to its full potential

Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said: “These upgrades will ensure a smoother check in experience for customers ahead on the summer season. By re-levelling our marshalling yard, we are enabling teams to check in passengers faster and more efficiently. The wider terminal investment will improve overall customer experience and build resilience into our operation.”

The terminal infrastructure upgrade project also involved life extension work to one of Red Funnel’s mooring dolphins, four of the six piles supporting the dolphin had corroded over time, so this work was crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the berth.

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Notes to editors

About Red Funnel
Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry company with roots tracing back to 1820. Based in the UK port of Southampton, Red Funnel carries 2.3m passengers and over 800,000 vehicles on its ferry route between the UK port of Southampton and East Cowes and 1.1m passengers between Southampton and West Cowes on its Red Jet Hi-Speed service.

In addition to ferry travel, Red Funnel is the only cross-Solent operator to offer ferry inclusive bonded holiday accommodation, attraction tickets, festival and event tickets and activity packages. Sub-brands include ‘Red Jet’ (the Hi-Speed passenger only ferry service serving West Cowes) and its on board café, ‘ReFuel’.

The Company is a founder member of Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, the Island’s not for profit destination management organisation and Red Funnel sponsors or supports most of the Island’s premier events including the IW Festival, Cowes Week, Rhythm Tree, Wight Proms, Cowes Classics, and Walk the Wight as well as a range of community and niche interest events. Red Funnel’s Charity of the Year, 2022 is Young Lives vs Cancer.

For more information, visit www.redfunnel.co.uk.