A SOUTHAMPTON ferry operator has splashed out £2m on a new hi-speed boat to improve its service. Red Funnel’s new 190-seater catamaran will increase passenger carrying capacity on its 30-minute Southampton to West Cowes crossing.

The fifth addition to Red Funnel’s hi-speed fleet will replace two smaller 138-seater vessel, Red Jets 1 and 2, which are being sold off after they were demoted to back-up duties.

It comes as Red Funnel restores the lunchtime Isle of Wight sailings it axed during last summer’s fuel price spike.

The 35m-long vessel, designed by FBM Marine of Cowes and built in the USA in 1999, is similar to Red Jet 3 in size and speed but will allow passengers to travel in air conditioned comfort. The new interior and layout will be modelled on the larger Red Jet 4.

Red Funnel CEO James Fulford said: “We were extremely fortunate that this vessel came on to the market at the same time a buyer approached us for Red Jet’s 1 and 2. The new craft is ideally suited for service in the Solent. The additional passenger capacity will also put an end to occasional shut-outs when either Red Jet 3 or 4 are undergoing maintenance.”

The new vessel is expected to arrive in the UK at the end of the month to enter service in July.

Red Jet 1 and 2 have been sold to Caspian Mainport Ltd for continued service in the Caspian Sea.

Red Funnel’s hi-speed ferry service between Southampton and West Cowes carries about 1.5 million passengers a year. The firm also runs a vehicle ferry service to East Cowes.

The Office of Fair Trading is investigating allegations of high prices and declining levels of service on ferries to and from the Isle of Wight following an 8,000 signature petition of complaint.

There are three routes to the Island run by Red Funnel, based in Southampton, and Wightlink, based in Lymington and Portsmouth.