Red Funnel vessels set to enter winter refit programme
Mon, Oct 20 2025
Cross-Solent ferry operator Red Funnel has announced the return of its winter timetable for the vehicle ferry service, as vessels begin their annual refit programme - designed to improve reliability and resilience.
Starting on Tuesday 4 November to Thursday 26 March, the winter timetable will see Red Funnel revert to the standard two-boat service.
During this period, the Red Eagle will undergo a major engine service. Red Falcon and Red Osprey will receive minor servicing, with Red Falcon also scheduled for a Voith propeller exchange.
In order to improve resilience and long-term reliability across both of its services, Red Funnel will be operating a new timetable for its Hi-Speed Red Jet service, from Sunday 9 November to Sunday 30 November.
During this time Red Jet 6 will be receiving vessel generator maintenance alongside refreshed passenger cabin carpets and seat improvements, with Red Jet 7 set to undergo her service in the New Year.
Speaking on the refit programme, Neil Chapman, Operations Director at Red Funnel, said: “Reliability and punctuality are our top priorities, and throughout this year we have made improvements with significant investment in preventative maintenance, extra spares holdings and additional in-house resource. We strategically time the refits for the quieter winter months so that we can maintain our full service schedule in the busier summer period but still operate an extensive winter timetable to support our customers. These upgrades and enhancements are essential to maintain compliance, improve customer experience and deliver a reliable service all year round.”
Later this year Red Funnel will announce its Christmas timetable, allowing Islanders to spend time with friends and family, do their Christmas shopping and enjoy events on the mainland. Whilst also helping visitors experience the magic of the Island during the festive season.
The winter timetable for Red Funnel’s vehicle ferry and the temporary timetable for its Hi-Speed Red Jet service are available, here: www.redfunnel.co.uk/timetables
Notes to editors
For further information, please contact [email protected] / 02380 382 970
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 founding member of Visit Isle of Wight Ltd, the Island’s not for profit destination management organisation.
Red Funnel is also proud to sponsor and support most of the Island’s premier events including the IW Festival, Cowes Week, Wight Proms, and Walk the Wight alongside a wide range of other community and niche interest events.
Red Funnel’s Charity of the Year, 2025, is Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance
For more information, visit www.redfunnel.co.uk.