Red Funnel new ferry to be built on Isle of Wight

The new vessel will be slightly longer than the existing Red Jet 4

A £6m high-speed catamaran which will operate on The Solent is to be built on the Isle of Wight.

Ferry company Red Funnel has announced an aluminium catamaran is to be built by Shemara Refit LLP in East Cowes.

The passenger boat Red Jet 6 will operate between Southampton and the island.

An order has been placed for the 40m (131 ft) high-speed catamaran for delivery in summer 2016.

Peter Morton, managing director of Shemara Refit, said the contract would create 40-50 new jobs at Venture Quays in East Cowes and "wherever possible" the jobs would go to islanders.

He said a number of apprentices would be taken on.

Red Funnel said the new vessel will be able to carry 275 passengers and 22 bicycles.

Shemara Refit is hoping to install a viewing gallery and fit a webcam at Venture Quays so members of the public can watch progress on the ferry.

The ferry will be built by Shemara Refit LLP in East Cowes

• Builder: Shemara Refit LLC, Venture Quays, East Cowes, Isle of Wight

• Speed: 38 knots at 85% maximum continuous rating

• Passenger capacity: 275 seated and four wheelchairs

• Overall length: 41.12m (134.9 ft)

• Port of registry: Southampton, UK

Source: Red Funnel