Work has now started on the new Wightlink ship and Portsmouth port improvements with an expected delivery date of Spring 2018.

The £45 million project follows on from the introduction of the new Lymington-Yarmouth & Portsmouth Harbour-Ryde Pier Head ferries.

New developments include

• A new hybrid ferry which will reduce the carbon footprint and make arrivals & departures quieter. The new ferry will also have two fixed vehicle decks providing more space for vehicles.
• Extension of the top vehicle deck of the current ferry, St Clare.
• New boarding ramps at Portsmouth Gunwharf and Fishbourne to allow ferry boarding on two levels.
• A new ferry terminal building at Portsmouth Gunwharf.

The new developments will allow Wightlink to carry more cars, lorries and other vehicles more often. They will also improve reliability and punctuality at the busiest times of the year by reducing traffic congestion. The new hybrid technology (which is currently being utilised by many other ferry operators) will allow Wightlink to operate more efficiently whilst reducing noise and turnaround times.

Wightlink are currently on track to finish the port improvements by summer 2017 with the launch of the new ship expected in spring 2018.