Isle of Wight: Ferry company Wightlink sold to Balfour Beatty, reports Red Funnel

Isle of Wight ferry company Wightlink has been sold to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Partners LLP for an undisclosed sum.

Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries, the Island’s original ferry operator which has been running for 153 years, responded by saying it is fully committed to growing its Isle of Wight ferry services between Southampton and East and West Cowes.

Responding to the news of Wightlink’s sale, Kevin George, CEO of Red Funnel Isle of Wight Ferries, said: "The sale of Wightlink Ferries has no bearing on Red Funnel's strategy of delivering value-for-money services and an unrivalled cross-Solent travel experience. The company carried record numbers in 2014 as more customers than ever chose Red Funnel over its rivals. This trend is set to continue with more sailings confirmed for 2015 to accommodate growth in both freight and private-vehicle traffic.

"At Easter, the vehicle ferry Red Osprey will return to service following her £2.2 million refurbishment to match Red Falcon which was upgraded in 2014.

"Red Funnel is also continuing to make significant investments in its people, in technology to enhance the customer experience, and in its infrastructure with exciting plans underway for purpose-built terminals in Southampton and East Cowes, to accommodate even more customers and offer the best experience for travelling to and from the Isle of Wight."