Wightlink ferry launched in the Philippines

The first of UK cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink’s new fleet of catamarans for its Portsmouth Harbour-Ryde passenger service has been launched at the FBMA Shipyard in Cebu, Philippines. Named Wight Ryder 1, the catamaran is one of two new generation ferries that form part of a £57m investment by Wightlink. Both Wight Ryder 1 and sistership Wight Ryder 2 are scheduled to leave the Philippines in June and are expected to enter service in the early autumn.

The Philippine newbuildings are a robust new generation of single deck catamaran ferries designed by Southampton-based BMT Nigel Gee and will replace Wightlink existing FastCat ferries. The new ferries will provide greater stability during crossings of the Solent and improved berthing capabilities. ‘reliability is our overriding objective and, with these advantages, the new craft should enable Wightlink to reduce the instances of weather-related cancellations that effect the existing service,’ said Andrew Willson, Wightlink Chief Executive. 

The design of the new ferries with advanced electronic management systems is expected to result in fuel savings of around 1.3m litres per annum compared to the existing FastCats, making them more environmentally friendly with a reduction in emissions equivalent to over 3.4m kg CO2. Sphere: Related Content