Red Funnel has announced today that it is bringing fast ferry construction back to the UK with the announcement that its new passenger ferry Red Jet 6 will be built in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
After receiving tenders from shipyards around the world, the company has placed an order for a 40m high-speed catamaran with Shemara Refit LLP for delivery in summer 2016. Costing £6m, Red Jet 6 will be the first vessel of her kind to be built in the UK for 15 years.
Kevin Smith Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce said “this is fantastic news for the Isle of Wight and fantastic news for marine manufacturing on the Isle of Wight. As well as creating over 40 new jobs this will also assist the Island to deliver upon its economic aspirations to build the Island’s manufacturing base.”
