'Iconic' and 'historic' ferry crossing up for sale

An "historic" and "iconic" ferry crossing has been put up for sale after it has been out of action for two years.

The Hythe Ferry, connects Southampton and Hythe but was suspended in August 2024 after damage was found to its pontoon and supporting structure.

In 2023, Isle of Wight ferry firm Red Funnel took over The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company, which operates the passenger link across Southampton Water.

In December Red Funnel was acquired by investment firm Njord Partners, who have concluded they "aren't best suited" to operate the Hythe service moving forward.

A spokesperson for The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company, said: "Njord Partners recognises the ferry's historic importance."

It added: "Therefore, we are actively seeking a new owner who shares our vision to restore, modernise and unlock the full potential of this historic route."

The firm is looking for someone to take on the infrastructure and the contract to operate on this route and has asked for interested parties to contact them.

It added that it will continue to work with the Hythe Pier owner during this transition and will "support colleagues".

It thanked people who have supported the ferry during "this challenging period" including those who donated towards "repair the pontoon".

It said it will continue with the restoration work however it has offered to return donations if people request this.

The company said: "While it is deeply disappointing that more progress could not be made to resume the service, we remain hopeful that, with a new investor and strong community engagement, the Hythe Ferry will be preserved, modernised and developed for generations to come."

A crossing of some form have been in operation on the Southampton Water since the middle ages.

The current Hythe Pier was completed to support ferries in the late 19th Century and the current passenger service operated by Red Funnel offered a car-free link between the New Forest and Southampton.

Corrosion discovered in 2024 was found to have accelerated at a faster rate than initially thought and it was later revealed the pontoon could not be fixed, with a replacement costing £250,000.

The ferry has not operated since, with staff and users raising concerns whether it would ever sail again.

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