Wightlink's flagship Isle of Wight ferry started 6 years ago

The £30 million car ferry carried her first fare-paying passengers exactly six years ago today, on Sunday, August 26, 2018.

The vessel's name was chosen from 183 suggestions made by over 70 staff members while she was being built in Yalova, Turkey.

Wightlink's Victoria of Wight flagship car ferry in dry dock (Image: Wightlink)

Ahead of the official launch, Victoria of Wight could be seen around the Solent for several weeks while crew were trained to operate her.

Powered by hybrid energy, Victoria of Wight uses battery power and conventional engines to link Portsmouth and Fishbourne with minimal emissions and more quietly than the rest of the fleet.

Wightlink says the ferry uses 17 per cent less fuel than St Clare, the next largest ferry on the route, and can even generate its own electricity.

Victoria of Wight can carry 178 cars and more than a thousand passengers.

First on board the new Wightlink ferry, Victoria of Wight, were the Francis Family from Hammersmith, photographed with Keith Greenfield (Image: Wightlink)

Travelling from Hammersmith, London, The Francis family were the first to drive on board Wightlink’s 10.30am sailing from Portsmouth – its first crossing to Fishbourne.

At the time, John Francis said: “When we booked our family holiday, we had no idea we would be one of the first to travel on such an impressive ship. Victoria of Wight looks more like a cruise liner than a ferry.”

In 2018, Wightlink chief executive, Keith Greenfield commented: "Victoria of Wight brings a new era of modern and environmentally friendly transport to the Solent.”

Victoria of Wight is one of six vehicle ferries used by Wightlink, with the others being St Clare, St Faith, Wight Sun, Wight Sky and the veteran ferry - entering service in July, 1990 - St Faith.