Wightlink reveals name of new hybrid ferry

Wightlink’s new US$38.5m hybrid car ferry for the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route in the UK will be named Victoria of Wight. The name was chosen by a panel of staff who considered 186 suggestions from 73 members of staff. Wightlink chief executive Keith Greenfield said, “Victoria was clearly a popular choice among staff. We were very happy to endorse their selection and feel Queen Victoria, as a regular visitor to the Isle of Wight, would have been amused.” Work is under way on the new ship at the Cemre shipyard in Yalova, Turkey, and Victoria of Wight will be officially handed over to Wightlink early in 2018. It has not yet been decided when it will enter service. The new ship is part of a US$58m investment in the route. New two-tier boarding ramps are already in use at Portsmouth and Fishbourne, and have made loading and unloading of the ferry St Clare faster and more efficient. Victoria of Wight will be powered by batteries as well as low-sulphur marine gas oil. Environmentally friendly features will include the recycling of hot water from the engines to heat the passenger areas, and low-energy LED lighting.