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Wightlink to tender for replacement ferry pair
Isle of Wight ferry operator WightLink is going out to tender for two new ferries as part of a £25m ($44.7m) investment programme.
WightLink, bought by Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund of Australia last year for an estimated £250m, says it will buy two new purpose-built ships for the Lymington to Yarmouth route, replacing existing tonnage.
The company will have an option on a third vessel. "Plans are already under way to look at prospective yards to quote for the building of the vessels and naval architects and designers are being engaged," it said.
"It is hoped that the successful yard will be contracted by early autumn this year with a view to both ships starting service on the Lymington to Yarmouth route around Easter, 2008.' WightLink is also planning to invest in improving the internet, booking and ticketing side of its business as well as its shore- based and onboard catering facilities.
The ferry operator is seeking to strengthen its management team with the creation of a number of posts, including a commercial director, a general manager for operations and a maritime superintendent.
Chief executive Andrew Willson said: "The investment programme will enable Wightlink to move forward in not only growing its business but making it more efficient, more customer friendly and better equipped to offer the highest level of service in the cross-Solent ferry market."
He said WightLink had undergone refinancing as a result of which the company now had a facility available to support the investment programme which he priced at approximately £25m.
The three ferries at present serving the route, Caedmon, Cenred and Cenwulf, were all built in 1973.
WightLink, bought by Macquarie European Infrastructure Fund of Australia last year for an estimated £250m, says it will buy two new purpose-built ships for the Lymington to Yarmouth route, replacing existing tonnage.
The company will have an option on a third vessel. "Plans are already under way to look at prospective yards to quote for the building of the vessels and naval architects and designers are being engaged," it said.
"It is hoped that the successful yard will be contracted by early autumn this year with a view to both ships starting service on the Lymington to Yarmouth route around Easter, 2008.' WightLink is also planning to invest in improving the internet, booking and ticketing side of its business as well as its shore- based and onboard catering facilities.
The ferry operator is seeking to strengthen its management team with the creation of a number of posts, including a commercial director, a general manager for operations and a maritime superintendent.
Chief executive Andrew Willson said: "The investment programme will enable Wightlink to move forward in not only growing its business but making it more efficient, more customer friendly and better equipped to offer the highest level of service in the cross-Solent ferry market."
He said WightLink had undergone refinancing as a result of which the company now had a facility available to support the investment programme which he priced at approximately £25m.
The three ferries at present serving the route, Caedmon, Cenred and Cenwulf, were all built in 1973.
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