Hythe Ferry enters voluntary liquidation - what happens next?
Hythe Ferry has entered voluntary liquidation after attempts to find a new buyer failed - but what does that actually mean for the future of the service?
What’s happened so far…
September 2023 - Red Funnel acquires Hythe Ferry (the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company)
August 2024 - Hythe Ferry stops running
December 2025 - Red Funnel and Hythe Ferry are acquired by Njord Partners
February 2026 - Hythe Ferry put up for sale again
09 April 2026 - Hythe Ferry enters voluntary liquidation
Voluntary liquidation means the company is closed by shareholders and directors, converting assets into cash, and then will cease to exist.
The Hythe Pier owner said the liquidation does not impact public access to the newly reopened pier.
Councillor Malcolm Wade said in a social media post that the liquidation was “very sad” but “not very surprising” given the lack of progress in restoring the service.
We spoke with Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan, owner of the Hythe pier, and also an employee of the ferry company until the liquidation announcement.
“A ferry service does not affect the pier. The pier will have a life of its own, even, for now, without the ferry.”
“I’m always optimistic”
Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan, owner of the Hythe Pier
She told us she has spent months behind the scenes working towards reopening the pier after it remained closed despite £12,000 repair work in 2025.
The pier reopened in early April, after being tidied extensively and showcasing artwork from local artists.
“I’m always optimistic. The pier has been a part of the ferry’s history, so I’d love to see it return.
“I don’t believe this is it - it just needs a fresh, innovative approach.
“The ferry company may cease to exist, but I’m convinced that there should be a water service to connect the Waterside to Southampton.”
“The pier has been a part of the ferry’s history - I’d love to see it return.”
Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan, owner of the Hythe Pier
While the current ferry company may be winding down, many locally, including the pier owner, believe this is not the end of a water service connecting Hythe and Southampton.
Hythe pier is currently open to the public with a £1 entry fee. Further updates are being shared on the pier’s social media pages.
This article ~ to me ~ is very important. The ferry has been a very important part of my life since 1960. I would like to explore every possibility that could lead to its resurrection as a profitable operation. Question 1: who now owns the pontoon at the end of the pier and is responsible for its repairs or replacement?