Wightlink Names New Hybrid Energy Car Ferry

UK’s ferry company Wightlink has named its new hybrid energy car ferry intended for the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route.

Victoria of Wight was officially named by Her Royal Highness Sophie The Countess of Wessex at Wightlink’s port of Fishbourne on September 20, 2018.

The Countess of Wessex bestows good luck and “all who sail in her” on the new ‘Victoria of Wight’ Ferry, with a traditional champagne breaking ceremony. ?

Victoria is a new, environmentally friendly, ferry link between Portsmouth & Fishbourne that runs partly on electricity. pic.twitter.com/PpUz75wPnE

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 20, 2018

Powered by hybrid energy, the new GBP 30 million (USD 39.3 million) Victoria of Wight uses a combination of battery power and conventional engines to minimize emissions.

Its eco-friendly features also include a lift that can generate electricity through kinetic energy, onboard water heated by warmth generated by the engine and motion sensor LED lighting in lesser-used areas of the ship.

The newbuilding, which can carry up to 178 cars and more than 1,000 passengers, will be gradually phased into service this Autumn, the company said.

“The arrival of Victoria of Wight heralds the completion of our GBP 45 million investment to improve the speed and efficiency of the route between Fishbourne and Portsmouth. Her hybrid energy system and host of environmental features will provide a cleaner and greener journey across the Solent,” Keith Greenfield, Wightlink CEO, commented.

Victoria of Wight arrived in the Solent in August after a 3,019 nautical mile voyage from the Cemre Shipyard in Turkey where the ship was built.