£3M refit of Red Funnel ropax is underway

Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel is investing £3M (US$4.3M) on a major refurbishment of its ropax Red Eagle –  which comes on the back of refits of its Red Falcon and Red Osprey ferries in 2014 and 2015.

The contract was awarded to Southampton Marine Services (SMS) with the interior fitout by Trimline and aluminium fabrication work contracted to Wight Shipyard Co in East Cowes.

SMS said the project will see a “significant increase in the number of internal seats for customers and involves a complete refit of B Deck including a state-of-the-art galley and new toilets”. On A Deck, there will be a dedicated pets’ lounge and a purpose-built Signature Lounge offering a premium club experience.

Other features include high-capacity wifi, USB charging points, air conditioning and digital entertainment.

Red Funnel chief executive Kevin George commented “The refit of Red Eagle will bring the interior right up-to-date with a contemporary new look and a class-leading travel experience for customers which matches the best in the UK ferry industry. We are particularly pleased to award the work to local suppliers, supporting jobs in both Southampton and in East Cowes on the Island.”