Portsmouth businessman Paul Duffield has plans to launch a new passenger ferry service to and from the Isle of Wight next year.
With his own money plus a £50,000 Bridging the Gap grant from the Solent LEP, he aims to launch the service, taking passengers to and from Cowes to Portsmouth, after completing sea trials in February 2014.
Other ports possible
It’s thought the one-way fare would be around £15 per person and Paul says if the service proves successful, he’ll consider providing the service from the 11 metre catamarans to other ports in the Island too.
Paul already runs a boat charter business from Portsmouth as well as being a director at an Internet service provider and owning an online marketing firm.
Round the clock service
The good news for those unhappy about the last Cat from Portsmouth at the weekend being 10.15pm is that Paul’s firm, Nauti Fast Ferries, plans to run their service every half hour around the clock.
Source: IWCP 20th September 2013
Image: Guy Quayle under CC BY 2.0
