Wightlink’s new passenger catamarans working up

UK cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink’s two new passenger catamarans have arrived in the UK from their builder in the Philippines and are now working up with expected entry into service on 21 September.

Wight Ryder I and Wight Ryder II arrived in Portsmouth on the deck of the heavy lift vessel BBC Georgia after a 9,100 mile voyage from the FBMA Shipyard in Cebu, the Philippines.

Designed by Southampton-based BMT Nigel Gee, the new generation catamarans will provide greater stability during travel and improved berthing capabilities, crucial benefits for Wightlink and its passengers. 

The design of the new 20 knot ferries with advanced electronic management systems is expected to result in fuel savings of around 1.3 million litres per annum compared with the existing two fast ferries on the Portsmouth-Ryde service, FastCat Ryde and FastCat Shanklin, making them more environmentally friendly with a reduction in emissions equivalent to over 3.4 million kg CO2.  Sphere: Related Content