Red Funnel Group was formed in 1861 and is a successful travel and holiday company based in Southampton. Red Funnel Ferries is the ‘Original Isle of Wight Ferry Operator’, currently carrying 3.4m passengers and 0.86m vehicles per annum. The Shield Marine division have a long-standing relationship with Red Funnel Ferries and our Southampton team were contracted to carry out COVID-19 recovery installations to facilitate their ‘Sail Safe' campaign which will allow them to safely manage a reduced capacity on board.

Red Funnel are still operating a reduced timetable and works had to be carried out during a night shift and a day boat, when passengers where at its lowest to further prevent the spread of the virus and ensure safe working distances for both passengers and Red Funnel and Shield work force. Furthermore, the works were to be completed within 10 days and the team achieved this by completing the last ship on a night shift to fit in their schedule.

The team adhered over 2000 safety stickers to the deck and bulkheads to provide a route around the ship keeping 2 meters apart at all times and fitted 35 sneeze guards in front of all till units to protect both passengers and staff. To maintain social distancing from passengers on board, the team had to cordon off all areas while working to ensure a safe working distance.

As a result of these works being completed successfully and both the stickers and sneeze guards working very well, the Shield Marine Team will now carry out similar works on all terminals.