A ferry firm that supplied an important hyperlink between a significant UK metropolis and a market city has gone into voluntary liquidation
The ferry service supplied a hyperlink between Hythe and Southampton (Picture: UCG/Common Photos Group by way of Getty Photos) This text incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, we’ll obtain a fee on any gross sales we generate from it. Study extra
A UK ferry service that had been working for greater than 100 years has gone into liquidation.
The Hythe Ferry, which supplied a key service between Hythe and Southampton City Quay, ceased operations in August 2024 following harm to its pontoon and supporting construction. Nevertheless, after “exhausting each attainable avenue” to reopen its service, the ferry line, operated by the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Firm, has plunged into voluntary liquidation.
In an announcement, shared with the BBC, the ferry firm confirmed: “Over the previous 18 months, [we have] labored extensively to try to discover a sustainable answer that will permit the service to return. Sadly, regardless of exhausting each attainable avenue, no viable proposals or events have emerged. We wish to thank everybody who has supported the ferry throughout this difficult time.”
The service hadn’t been in operation since August 2024 (Picture: Hythe Ferry)
The ferry service was an important hyperlink between the outdated market city of Hythe and the port metropolis of Southampton, having operated since 1874. However throughout that point, had modified possession.
In 2023, the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Firm was taken over by Pink Funnel, the ferry agency which gives routes to the Isle of Wight. Nevertheless, in December final 12 months, Pink Funnel secured new investments from Njord Companions, and it was confirmed that they might now not run the Hythe service.
On the time, a spokesperson for The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Firm advised the BBC: “Njord Companions recognises the ferry’s historic significance.”
They added: “Subsequently, we’re actively looking for a brand new proprietor who shares our imaginative and prescient to revive, modernise and unlock the complete potential of this historic route.”
Hythe and Southampton Ferry Firm tried to seek out one other purchaser or investor to maintain the service working, however after 18 months out of motion, they went into voluntary liquidation. Whereas the service had been working for a whopping 150 years, the crossing between Hythe and Southampton dates again to 1575.
Many guests recalled their time on the Hythe Ferry (Picture: Hythe Ferry)
Those that used the Hythe Ferry have fond reminiscences, with one customer sharing in 2020 on TripAdvisor: “Fast and low cost, youngsters love happening the practice too, so it is a good all-round expertise.”
In the identical 12 months, one other recalled: “Hythe ferry is nice worth for the vacationer, a swift and scenic journey throughout the Solent from historic Southampton City Pier to the beautiful little village of Hythe. The ferry experience itself is brief however passes many alternatives to see, moderately shut up, a few of the largest Passenger Cruise ships and likewise gigantic freighters.
“About quarter-hour to cross, and everybody disembarks on the quirky Hythe Pier and both strolls or joins the classic slender gauge practice to the shoreline. The pier is required as this facet of the Solent may be very shallow and has fairly broad mud flats.”
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They added: “We actually loved the journey, and the New Forest is simply inside strolling distance. Nice day journey away from the hustle and bustle of Southampton.” Undoubtedly, it’s going to be a tragic loss for individuals who rode the beloved ferry route.
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