"We're thrilled" says CEO as Wightlink named Best Ferry Operator 2024 at National Transport Awards

Wightlink has been named Best Ferry Operator 2024 at the National Transport Awards in London.

The Solent ferry operator carries more than 3.8 million people a year between the Isle of Wight and ports in Portsmouth and Lymington with more than 140 sailings a day.

Katy Taylor, Wightlink CEO, said: “We’re thrilled to be named ferry operator of the year at the National Transport Awards.

“It’s all thanks to the hard work of our crews and colleagues at Wightlink’s six ports and eight ferries who always put our customers first.”

Transport Minister Simon Littlewood MP told the audience: “Transport workers are the backbone of our economy – connecting communities and driving growth.”

The other finalists were Hovertravel and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

In 2023, Wightlink won Gold in the British Travel Awards for Best UK Ferry Operator, an award solely decided by the number of customer votes received by the organisers.

Regarded as an industry leader in decarbonisation and innovation, Wightlink’s hybrid-electric flagship Victoria of Wight, pictured right, sails 24 hours a day between Portsmouth and Fishbourne with 20 per cent fewer emissions than similar conventionally powered ships.

The company’s ambition is to commission all-electric ferries when suitable shore power is available.