New life awaits as former Red Jet 4 prepares to join South Korean ferry firm's hi-speed fleet

A vessel which has carried hundreds of thousands of passengers between Southampton and the Isle of Wight during 21 years of service is about to start a new life in South Korea.

Red Jet 4, formerly one of Red Funnel’s fleet of hi-speed passenger craft, has been purchased by ferry firm Nam Hae Express Co.

The vessel was lifted out of the water and hoisted onto a marine freight forwarder last month and is now well on her way to East Asia.

Once there, she’ll carry customers between some of South Korea’s most popular tourist destinations.

Fran Collins, Red Funnel CEO, pictured left, said: “We are very proud of Red Jet 4’s two decades of service across the Solent.

“She’s been a much-loved member of our fleet and we are delighted that Nam Hae Express Co is adding her to its routes.

“However, with Red Jet 4 now over 21 years old, the time is right to shift our priorities towards the future.

“For us, this entails a strategic decision to focus on the upkeep and reliability of Red Jets 6 and 7 and ensure we deliver the best possible service to our customers.

“This aligns with the current demand for service on our Southampton to West Cowes route and positions us to make the best possible decisions to chart our course from here.

“We wish Nam Hae Express all the very best in giving Red Jet 4 a new home and a new purpose and send our wishes for fair winds and safe travels to her passengers and crew.”

Red Jet 4 was built by North West Bay Ships in Tasmania in 2003 and can accommodate 271 seated passengers and four crew with a service speed of 35 knots.

In addition to its current fleet of six hi-speed catamarans, Nam Hae Express Co, established in 1955, also operates four car ferries serving popular tourist destinations including Mokpo and Jeju Island.