- RoPax ferry Red Eagle is under refurbishment in Southampton.
- The main plan is to strip out the existing passenger lounges.
- A Signature lounge and a new pet lounge is in the making.
- The new look will be revealed in March when the ship resumes service.
Earlier this month, the Red Funnel RoPax ferry Red Eagle was dry-docked at A&P’s yard in Falmouth for a refurbishment worth 3 million pounds. The refurbishment underway in Southampton is to facilitate her annual survey and the painting of the hull and superstructure. Trimline Ltd. the Southampton based company who is entrusted with the job is doing a fine refurbishing work whose main aim is to do away with the existing passenger lounges.
The fabrication of the aluminium shells which will form the two new lounges on A Deck was entrusted to Wight Shipyard Co, another local supplier based in East Cowes. Now, the two lounges have been transported by barge to Southampton in preparation for being lifted on board in the next few days.
Red Eagle which replaced Netley Castle in 1996, was the last of three Raptor Class RoPax ferries ordered by Red Funnel from Ferguson Shipbuilders at Port Glasgow in the early 90’s. The ship travels 45,500 miles every year between Southampton and East Cowes. In 2005, it was lengthened by 9.6 metres in order to accomodate more people and a car deck was added which holds 70 cars.
Upcoming Changes
Although Red Funnel’s actions, a company with roots going back to 1820, were doubtless prompted by the lucrative Summer passenger market, freight drivers on the short hop will also benefit from some of the upgrades aboard the Red Eagle which include a significant increase in the number of internal seats as well as a new gallery, new toilets, a new pet lounge and a purpose built Signature Lounge offering a premium club experience.
The new refurbished ship is slated for a March release when it resumes service in Southampton.
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Source: Handy Shipping Guide
