Friday, July 25, 2008
Skip Navigation LinksHome

RED JETS CUT AS FUEL RISES BITE

By Richard Wright - Monday, May 12, 2008
RED Funnel has cut its Red Jet timetable by 20 sailings a week in response to rocketing fuel prices.
In the wake of Wightlink introducing fuel surcharges, Red Funnel announced its response. Hovertravel has so far held prices and preserved its timetable.
From Monday, May 19 the 11.45am and 12.45pm departures from Southampton and the 12.15 and 1.15 sailings from Cowes will be withdrawn on weekdays.
The service at weekends remains unchanged, with daytime departures every 30 minutes.
Managing director Tom Docherty said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly but, unfortunately, it is not possible to absorb the soaring cost of fuel. Rather than increase fares at this stage, we believe reducing the service to hourly over the quieter lunchtime period is a more acceptable solution.
“Although we have deliberately targeted quieter sailings, it is acknowledged that frequency of service is important to customers and consideration will be given to reinstating the two round-trips if the price of fuel returns to a sustainable level.”
The ferry company said the cost of fuel had doubled since 2004 and it used ten million litres a year.
Apart from timetable cuts, other fuel saving measures include fitting “wing tips” to propeller blades to make them more efficient, computerised control of vessel acceleration rates and engine revs, regular anti-fouling of hulls and engine condition monitoring to reduce fuel use.