Major refurbishment for Red Eagle
Red Funnel, the Isle of Wight specialist has confirmed that it is to spend £3m on a major refurbishment of its ro-pax ferry Red Eagle in the New Year.
The work will be similar to the new look given to Red Falcon and Red Osprey in 2014 and 2015 and will be carried out by local marine businesses. The main contract has been awarded to Trimline in Southampton, with aluminium fabrication work contracted to Wight Shipyard Ltd in East Cowes. The refit will be carried out in Southampton.
The refurbishment of Red Eagle, coupled with the order for Red Jet 7, already amounts to an investment of over £10m in Red Funnel's cross Solent services by the consortium of UK and Canadian pension funds who acquired the business in July 2017. The decisions underpin the new owners' commitment to growing the cross-Solent market and helping to stimulate the Isle of Wight's economy.
Kevin George, Red Funnel's CEO commented "We are delighted to make this exciting announcement so soon after ordering Red Jet 7. 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. Once again we are particularly pleased to award the work to local suppliers, supporting jobs in both Southampton and in East Cowes on the Island."
Work on Red Eagle will start in January 2018 and will be completed in time for the summer timetable which starts on 29 March. 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 pet's lounge and a purpose built Signature Lounge offering a premium club experience for discerning travellers.
Modern seating styles and tables, subtle colours and clever LED lighting will create spaces which are perfect for socialising, working or just relaxing. High-capacity Wi-Fi, USB charging points, air conditioning and digital entertainment are just a few of the features available to everyone on board. Outdoor space to soak up the sun will be available on A and AA Decks.
For more information about the transformation of Red Eagle please visit redfunnel.co.uk/newlook
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Red Funnel Media Enquiries
National & Regional Four Travel 20 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BF
t. 0203 697 4200
Hants & Isle of Wight Carswell Gould 16 Brunswick Place Southampton SO15 2AQ t. 023 8023 8001
