Following the news last night that Natural England are looking to impose a reduction of sailings on the Yarmouth-Lymington service to a maximum of 16,500 per annum, we’ve had an update from Wightlink this morning.
One VB reader had calculated that assuming the sailings were reduced from 18,000 to 16,500 pa, that resulted in an average of just four crossings a day less, over the period of a year.
Given that Wightlink stated yesterday, “A significant reduction in trippage will lead to a reduction in required manpower”, this was seen by some to be a somewhat dramatic move.
We got in touch with Wightlink this morning to find out more. Kerry Jackson told VB that the proposals are all subject to consultation and an enquiry which starts next week.
Night service only
Kerry was very clear that any reduction in sailings would be to the night service only, adding, “it’s not confirmed what sailings are going.” She confirmed that any ruling would not affect the day crossings.
Although Natural England are proposing a maximum of 16,500 crossings a year, Kerry said the end figure could be much lower, “we just don’t know yet.”
The enquiry, which is scheduled to last ten days, starts next Tuesday (11th).
According to Kerry, there will be no compulsory redundancies.
