FERRY FIRMS REACT AFTER PROTEST OUTSIDE TRANSPORT MINISTER’S MEETING

All 3 Isle of Wight ferry companies have reacted to this week’s protest and top-level transport roundtable meeting.

Wightlink, Red Funnel and Hovertravel have issued statements off the back of the Isle of Wight Ferries Roundtable, which was held at the Island Sailing Club in Cowes on Wednesday morning.

Mike Kane MP, the Minister for Aviation, Maritime Security, chaired the meeting, which was attended by the Isle of Wight’s MPs, ferry bosses and key local stakeholders.

Ahead of the forum, a demonstration took place on Cowes High Street and the transport minister was confronted by campaigners dressed as pirates, as first reported by Island Echo.

The Department for Transport has agreed to look at the pricing, timetables and reliability of Isle of Wight ferries.

A spokesperson for Wightlink has said:

“Wightlink was pleased to contribute to the Isle of Wight Ferries Roundtable in Cowes, chaired by Maritime Minister Mike Kane and attended by officials from the Department for Transport.

“There was a good exchange of views and some positive next steps to take forward. Everyone at Wightlink cares about the needs and concerns of our Island customers and we are committed to working in partnership with all roundtable participants to support and grow the Island’s economy by bringing more visitors across the Solent.”

Fran Collins, CEO at Red Funnel, has said:

“Our focus continues to be on providing a reliable and sustainable lifeline service for the Island community.

“The meeting was open and productive, and I look forward to a continued collaborative approach.”

Hovertravel’s spokesperson said:

“Hovertravel continues to be committed to understanding and supporting the needs of our Island community.

“We value the opportunity to collaborate with the local council and the Minister’s office alongside all roundtable participants as we work together to grow the Island’s economy, ensuring we meet the local community’s travel needs and encouraging more visitors to travel across the Solent.”