Wightlink | Isle of Wight Ferries

Applications are open now! We are inviting sports, arts and environmental groups on the Island to apply for travel support via our Wightlink in the Community sponsorship scheme. Here's what some of our community have to say about the support they have received from Wightlink in the Community. 💙 Full details can be found at https://lnkd.in/e2tGpKXP

15 years of Wight Ryder I and II. Today we celebrate the anniversary of our FastCat twins; after undertaking their first day of service in 2009 the Wight Ryders have carried thousands of happy holiday makers, dedicated commuters and everyone in-between to and from the Island. ⛴️ The 39.5-meter ferries can hold up to 260 passengers each, travelling between Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde Pier Head in just 22-minutes. Share your happy memories from your FastCat journeys below. 👇

It’s World Maritime Day! This year’s theme is navigating the future: safety first! Our dedicated crew have safety drills often to make sure they know exactly how to tackle any situation that may arise. 🦺 All crew require the highest level of STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) to maintain the best standards of safety for our customers. Training is achieved through continuous professional development which ensures all crew have the required knowledge to deal with any emergency scenario. 🛟 Our crew also undertake ‘familiarisation’ onboard the ships they are to work on. This can take up to six months depending on the crew persons rank. Familiarisation includes ship specific training on critical safety equipment, emergency drills and local navigational knowledge that is bespoke for a particular ship or route. ⛴️ #worldmaritimeday

Solar Power Update! ☀️ We have installed solar panels at our Gunwharf, Lymington and Fishbourne ports. In the first six months of 2024, 52,085kW of power was generated, enough to boil 473,501 litres of water for 1,894,004 cups of tea or coffee (based on a 250ml serving)! ☕ We are also looking at installing solar panels on suitable vessels. ⛴️

Have you checked out our Wightlink | Isle of Wight Ferries case study ⛴️ We recently celebrated the website’s 4th birthday, and we thought we’d share our case study about the project and how we designed and built a site of this size. Check it out and let us know what you think! https://lnkd.in/em3zdw_f #digitalagency #webdesign

We’ve now released our 2025 timetable! Until October 9, 2024, all 2025 crossings will be frozen at 2024 prices. So, if you’re planning your getaways for next year, it’s worth being an early bird and save on your cross Solent travel. ⛴️ https://lnkd.in/e4fcvrGq

Wight Sky recently travelled to Hythe Shipyard for her annual refit! 🛠️ This year she doesn't need to be drydocked, meaning she can be worked on in the water to get her smartened up ready for passengers traveling on our Lymington - Yarmouth route. A refit can vary from a fresh coat of paint to more technical refurbishments and repairs. Our engineers and crew take great pride in keeping our fleet in good order all year round but it is essential for us to invest time (out of service) to upkeep our fleet. Soon Wight Sky’s sister ship, Wight Light will be receiving the same TLC. Thank you to Desty Marine International for all their help and support. 

Our website turns four today! 🎂 It's been wonderful working with a local business like Si digital, who not only helped deliver a great website back in 2020, but to this day continue to support us in making it faster and more user-friendly 💻 A big shout out in particular to our favourite member of their team, Rosie the dog! 🐶

So after another couple of busy weeks, I met local Isle of Wight MP Joe Robertson this week to discuss helping islanders reach the mainland for essential services. I also joined the night crew at 4am to watch the early morning freight (food, petrol, everything the island needs to survive) going across the Solent. Then I went inside a catamaran to see it being fixed (some terrifyingly steep stairs and holes to walk through - not sure anyone mentioned that at interview!!). And some beautiful weather as always. What a wonderful place to work. If you haven’t booked your trip yet… there’s still time. Wightlink | Isle of Wight Ferries

Join us and hundreds of local businesses at the Portsmouth Business Expo on 19 September. We’ll be on Stand 15 ready to network with you, there will also be free seminars and workshops from Hampshire's leading keynote and business speakers as well as a speed networking session. See you there! B2B Expos