Isle of Wight ferry firm Wightlink wins operator of the year

The company, which carries more than 3.8 million people a year between the Isle of Wight and ports in Portsmouth and Lymington, beat off competition from fellow finalists Hovertravel and Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

Wightlink CEO Katy Taylor, who has recently taken over from Keith Greenfield, says: “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.”

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

In 2023, Wightlink also 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.

From left: Wightlink CEO Katy Taylor, commercial director Phil Delaney, head of marketing David Williams and captain Sam Mitchell at the National Transport Awards ceremony. (Image: Wightlink) Wightlink’s says its hybrid-electric flagship Victoria of Wight sails 24 hours a day between Portsmouth and Fishbourne with 20 per cent fewer emissions than similar conventionally powered ships.

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