The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company launches fundraiser for £250,000 pontoon needed to resume historic service

A FUNDRAISER has been launched to secure the return of the Hythe ferry which needs a £250,000 replacement boarding pontoon.

As reported in the A&T, the service, which connects Hythe and Southampton, has been out of action since last August after engineers rendered it unsafe.

Although Isle of Wight ferry operator Red Funnel bought the company in 2023, independent organisation The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company was set up shortly after to manage the route.

The Crowdfunder page – set up by The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company in response to public requests – states: “The ferry is far more than just a commuter route, it is a vital lifeline for the local economy, tourism, and our maritime heritage. Its loss would have a devastating impact on businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

“The ferry has operated since the Middle Ages [and] departs from Hythe’s historic pier, home to the world’s oldest working pier railway, making it a unique and irreplaceable part of our history.”

It adds: “Despite exploring alternative solutions, and with no council funding coming, a new pontoon is essential to securing the future of the ferry, and as an independent operator, we do not have the reserved funds to cover this alone.

“We have been working on a robust business plan to ensure the ferry’s long-term sustainability, but we urgently need support.

“A one-off donation or sponsorship could make all the difference in securing the ferry’s future [and] helping keep our towns connected, businesses thriving, and our history alive. Every contribution, big or small, takes us one step closer to returning the service.”

Explaining the situation, Ashleigh Mutimear of The Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company told the A&T: “​​​​​​Red Funnel provides ongoing financial support, however, at present, there has been no confirmation regarding the funding amount for pontoon repairs.

“The Hythe ferry team is taking a proactive and strategic approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital transport link. While recent crowdfunding efforts have highlighted community support, our broader strategy extends far beyond fundraising, focusing on building robust partnerships and securing substantial support from businesses and councils.

“We have been actively engaging with local councils, working closely with the parish council, and reaching out to councils across the region. Our efforts include direct communications with MPs from both the New Forest and Southampton areas, with a face-to-face meeting scheduled with [New Forest East MP] Julian Lewis next week.”

She added: “In addition to governmental outreach, we have approached many local businesses. Our primary objective is to secure sponsorships or significant one-off contributions from businesses and local authorities that understand the importance of the Hythe ferry to the community and the region.

“While fundraising activities remain a positive response to how the community wish to help, they are not our primary focus. We are committed to finding long-term, strategic solutions that will keep the Hythe ferry operational and thriving, benefiting residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

So far over £1,300 has been raised online, while £15,000 has been donated from an anonymous business. To donate visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-to-return-our-ferry-service

Any businesses who can offer corporate sponsorship are also urged to get in touch.