TIMETABLES AND NEW VESSELS HOT TOPICS AT RECENT RED FUNNEL CUSTOMER FORUM

Red Funnel customers recently met with the ferry operator’s leadership team to discuss topics at the front of customers’ minds, as part of the Customer Forum initiative.

Senior members of the Red Funnel team spoke openly with customers to tackle some of their most pressing matters, including hospitality and vessel technology upgrades, as well as timetables, reliability and punctuality.

Red Funnel’s Customer Forums provide the Island community with a regular opportunity to have face-to-face with the leadership team, who respond to questions and gather feedback to help directly inform future plans, projects and priorities.

Red Funnel’s CEO, Fran Collins, led the forum and welcomed thoughts from several Island-based attendees. The first topic discussed was the upgrades to Red Funnel’s vehicle ferries, including an increase in the amount of customer seating available on deck A and B, easier lift access and navigation throughout both decks for wheelchair users, as well as a new till system to allow for a smoother customer experience.

The refit programme also saw a total refurbishment of the Pet Lounge, providing an improved environment for pets and their owners.

Fran has said:

“Our recent Customer Forum was a productive and open discussion with a combination of new customer representatives and some familiar faces. Our aim is to always be open and transparent with our customers and these sessions provide an excellent opportunity to hear in person about what’s important to them, how we can learn and improve our service and keep them updated on future plans and ongoing initiatives.”

Customers raised questions around Red Funnel’s plans for new vessels, including the new addition to its Hi-Speed service, which was showcased at a demonstration event in Cowes last month. The team was able to update attendees about the ongoing discussions around the designs, working with manufacturers and the focus on speed and efficiency, accessibility, onboard retail and a hybrid model of diesel and electric to align with the existing electricity allowance in Southampton.

Adding to her thoughts, Fran continued:

“We covered a lot of ground in the latest session, and I was pleased to be able to discuss our vehicle ferry fleet replacement programme, which will ensure improved reliability through modern, more sustainable vessels.

“Our partnership with Artemis Technologies to introduce the 100% electric EF-24 Passenger ferry is progressing well and we look forward to providing more updates throughout 2025 as designs and testing continues.”

Other topics discussed included the charity and community initiatives Red Funnel supports, working closely with manufacturers and delivering enhanced crew training to support the life span of the vessels, planning for the Town Quay development, onboard food and beverage and road signage in East Cowes.

The leadership team left with actions to discuss and take forward with their teams.

Customers interested in attending a future Customer Forum can contact customerservices@redfunnel.co.uk.