01/09/2026
As many of you are aware, we have been working closely with the local councils in recent months to secure the future of the Ferry. Throughout this process, we were led to believe the service was progressing towards a new contract.
Based on this understanding, we made significant commitments to help secure and improve the ferry’s future. We have undertaken dredging campaigns to enable longer operating hours, purchased a vessel, recruited a new Master and begun their training.
We have also invested further in the new vessel’s refit. She is faster, more versatile and better suited to operating close to the sandbanks. We are also adapting her to operate as a plough dredger, allowing us to maintain the ferry pen and help achieve longer sailing times.
It is therefore extremely disappointing to have learned of Lancashire County Council’s funding decision through social media, before receiving any direct communication that we could pass on to our employees, passengers and the wider community.
We also want to clarify that Lancashire County Council did not provide funding for the purchase of our new vessel. The vessel was purchased entirely by our company using our own funds.
We would also like to correct the suggestion that a new contract had been agreed before we asked for additional funding. This is not the case. Throughout discussions, we have worked to reduce the level of financial support required from the councils.
For now, the uncertainty around the contract means we are unable to recruit or train additional staff. We are currently operating with reduced staffing and, unfortunately, there may be days when we are unable to provide cover. We sincerely apologise for this. It is incredibly frustrating, but our hands are tied while the future of the service remains uncertain. Once a contract is secured, positions will be available.
Despite these setbacks, we are not giving up.
We are continuing to work with Wyre Borough Council to explore every possible option to secure the future of the ferry. Our focus is not on politics or differences between councils it is on keeping this vital service operating for the communities on both sides of the Wyre.
It is particularly upsetting to reach the end of summer in this position. Just two weeks ago, we experienced one of our busiest weeks, with local residents and visitors using the ferry to attend events and enjoy everything Fleetwood and Knott End have to offer.
Now, more than ever, the support of our local community is incredibly important.
Please continue to use the ferry where you can and support local businesses on both sides. Every journey helps support jobs, local families and the wider communities of Fleetwood and Knott End.
We will keep you informed as soon as we receive further information. At present, unfortunately, we know no more than what has already been communicated publicly.
We will be publishing our September tide times when we know when our relief skipper can cover. Thank you to everyone who has supported us.
