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Ferry Operator of the Year
Ferry Operator of the Year
Ferry Operator of the Year
Submission Criteria
Previous Winner
A submission in this category should demonstrate
Range of initiatives that the operator has been involved in to improve services and facilities.
Evidence of performance, passenger growth, customer satisfaction, marketing, carbon reduction.
Submission Criteria
Previous Winner
A submission in this category should demonstrate
Range of initiatives that the operator has been involved in to improve services and facilities.
Evidence of performance, passenger growth, customer satisfaction, marketing, carbon reduction.
Submission Criteria
Previous Winner
A submission in this category should demonstrate
Range of initiatives that the operator has been involved in to improve services and facilities.
Evidence of performance, passenger growth, customer satisfaction, marketing, carbon reduction.
Caledonian MacBrayne
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), the UK’s largest ferry operator, runs lifeline services across Scotland’s west coast, connecting remote island communities with the mainland. The network is one of the most complex in Europe, requiring resilience in the face of challenging weather and geography. Under COO Diane Burke’s leadership, CalMac has restructured operations to improve reliability, safety, and customer service. Initiatives include doubling area management teams, establishing a Centre of Excellence for training, and introducing the company’s first operations manual and real-time performance dashboard. Between August 2024 and March 2025, attrition fell from 13.6% to 2%, absenteeism halved, and disciplinary cases dropped significantly. Customer satisfaction rose by 12%, particularly among island residents. By embedding a culture of professionalism and care, CalMac has strengthened its reputation as a trusted lifeline operator, balancing community needs with operational excellence while planning for long-term sustainability.
Caledonian MacBrayne
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), the UK’s largest ferry operator, runs lifeline services across Scotland’s west coast, connecting remote island communities with the mainland. The network is one of the most complex in Europe, requiring resilience in the face of challenging weather and geography. Under COO Diane Burke’s leadership, CalMac has restructured operations to improve reliability, safety, and customer service. Initiatives include doubling area management teams, establishing a Centre of Excellence for training, and introducing the company’s first operations manual and real-time performance dashboard. Between August 2024 and March 2025, attrition fell from 13.6% to 2%, absenteeism halved, and disciplinary cases dropped significantly. Customer satisfaction rose by 12%, particularly among island residents. By embedding a culture of professionalism and care, CalMac has strengthened its reputation as a trusted lifeline operator, balancing community needs with operational excellence while planning for long-term sustainability.
Caledonian MacBrayne
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), the UK’s largest ferry operator, runs lifeline services across Scotland’s west coast, connecting remote island communities with the mainland. The network is one of the most complex in Europe, requiring resilience in the face of challenging weather and geography. Under COO Diane Burke’s leadership, CalMac has restructured operations to improve reliability, safety, and customer service. Initiatives include doubling area management teams, establishing a Centre of Excellence for training, and introducing the company’s first operations manual and real-time performance dashboard. Between August 2024 and March 2025, attrition fell from 13.6% to 2%, absenteeism halved, and disciplinary cases dropped significantly. Customer satisfaction rose by 12%, particularly among island residents. By embedding a culture of professionalism and care, CalMac has strengthened its reputation as a trusted lifeline operator, balancing community needs with operational excellence while planning for long-term sustainability.
WINNER
Hovertravel Ltd
Hovertravel operates the world’s longest-running passenger hovercraft service, celebrating 60 years in 2025. Linking Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight in just 10 minutes, the service carries commuters, students, tourists, and NHS patients, with up to 60 flights daily. Accessibility is central: the HoverCare programme provides quarterly engagement with disability groups, “Try Before You Fly” events, and staff training in hidden disabilities and guide dog assistance. A Hovertravel User Group (HUG) has met quarterly for 15 years, shaping service improvements like priority boarding. In 2024, Hovertravel supported Ryde Town Council’s beach accessibility project with new boardwalks, equipment, and changing facilities. It also offers discounted fares for local residents and provides rapid transfers for stretcher patients to mainland hospitals, saving NHS time and resources. Recognised in the Government’s Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme, Hovertravel demonstrates how a small operator can deliver innovation, inclusivity, and essential connectivity.
WINNER
Hovertravel Ltd
Hovertravel operates the world’s longest-running passenger hovercraft service, celebrating 60 years in 2025. Linking Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight in just 10 minutes, the service carries commuters, students, tourists, and NHS patients, with up to 60 flights daily. Accessibility is central: the HoverCare programme provides quarterly engagement with disability groups, “Try Before You Fly” events, and staff training in hidden disabilities and guide dog assistance. A Hovertravel User Group (HUG) has met quarterly for 15 years, shaping service improvements like priority boarding. In 2024, Hovertravel supported Ryde Town Council’s beach accessibility project with new boardwalks, equipment, and changing facilities. It also offers discounted fares for local residents and provides rapid transfers for stretcher patients to mainland hospitals, saving NHS time and resources. Recognised in the Government’s Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme, Hovertravel demonstrates how a small operator can deliver innovation, inclusivity, and essential connectivity.
WINNER
Hovertravel Ltd
Hovertravel operates the world’s longest-running passenger hovercraft service, celebrating 60 years in 2025. Linking Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight in just 10 minutes, the service carries commuters, students, tourists, and NHS patients, with up to 60 flights daily. Accessibility is central: the HoverCare programme provides quarterly engagement with disability groups, “Try Before You Fly” events, and staff training in hidden disabilities and guide dog assistance. A Hovertravel User Group (HUG) has met quarterly for 15 years, shaping service improvements like priority boarding. In 2024, Hovertravel supported Ryde Town Council’s beach accessibility project with new boardwalks, equipment, and changing facilities. It also offers discounted fares for local residents and provides rapid transfers for stretcher patients to mainland hospitals, saving NHS time and resources. Recognised in the Government’s Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme, Hovertravel demonstrates how a small operator can deliver innovation, inclusivity, and essential connectivity.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (UBTC) operates London’s River Bus, serving 5.3m passengers in 2024. Following R&D, three hybrid vessels launched between 2023–24 operate in battery-only mode through Central London, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 90% and boosting fleet capacity by 18%. In summer 2025, UBTC will debut the Orbit Clipper—the UK’s first fully electric cross-river ferry—running every 10 minutes between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe with space for 150 passengers and 100 bikes. This investment aligns with London’s Thames Vision 2050 and UBTC’s net zero 2045 target. Shore-side charging hubs and automated docking reduce idling, while partnerships with Wight Shipyard Co. support UK shipbuilding. Passenger numbers are already up 23% on pre-pandemic levels, with hybrids carrying 2m annually. By combining innovation, sustainability, and reliable service, UBTC is redefining river transport and cementing its role as a global leader in urban ferry operations.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (UBTC) operates London’s River Bus, serving 5.3m passengers in 2024. Following R&D, three hybrid vessels launched between 2023–24 operate in battery-only mode through Central London, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 90% and boosting fleet capacity by 18%. In summer 2025, UBTC will debut the Orbit Clipper—the UK’s first fully electric cross-river ferry—running every 10 minutes between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe with space for 150 passengers and 100 bikes. This investment aligns with London’s Thames Vision 2050 and UBTC’s net zero 2045 target. Shore-side charging hubs and automated docking reduce idling, while partnerships with Wight Shipyard Co. support UK shipbuilding. Passenger numbers are already up 23% on pre-pandemic levels, with hybrids carrying 2m annually. By combining innovation, sustainability, and reliable service, UBTC is redefining river transport and cementing its role as a global leader in urban ferry operations.
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers (UBTC) operates London’s River Bus, serving 5.3m passengers in 2024. Following R&D, three hybrid vessels launched between 2023–24 operate in battery-only mode through Central London, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 90% and boosting fleet capacity by 18%. In summer 2025, UBTC will debut the Orbit Clipper—the UK’s first fully electric cross-river ferry—running every 10 minutes between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe with space for 150 passengers and 100 bikes. This investment aligns with London’s Thames Vision 2050 and UBTC’s net zero 2045 target. Shore-side charging hubs and automated docking reduce idling, while partnerships with Wight Shipyard Co. support UK shipbuilding. Passenger numbers are already up 23% on pre-pandemic levels, with hybrids carrying 2m annually. By combining innovation, sustainability, and reliable service, UBTC is redefining river transport and cementing its role as a global leader in urban ferry operations.
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© TransportTimes 2025
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