Red Funnel's cross-Solent vehicle ferries are setting a course for the West Country rather than their normal route between Southampton and the Isle of Wight, as they undergo annual dry-docking and maintenance.
As a rule the ferry refits are carried out locally in Southampton but a hectic programme of dry dock work at the A&P shipyard in the Western Docks means that Red Funnel have diverted to Falmouth this year.
Two of the Raptor Class vessels, Red Falcon and Red Eagle, will dry dock at A&P Falmouth for 14 and 17 days respectively. During the refit periods both vessels are set for class inspections and surveys, main engine and propulsion overhauls, blasting and painting of the vessels' car decks and hulls. The third vessel, Red Osprey is scheduled to dry dock in Southampton next month.
Ian Pike, managing director of A&P Falmouth, said: "We welcome the Red Funnel vessels and their crews to the West Country which will provide the opportunity to demonstrate the quality of our dry docking and repair services.''
Red Funnel is utilising A&P's extensive ferry expertise to complete the work within the shortest possible periods. It will result in minimum disruption to the Southampton to Cowes passenger, freight and vehicle service.
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