Enhancing Solent Maritime Travel with Real-Time Integrated Digital Signage

Operating 24/7, 364 days a year, Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry operator with a history stretching back over 150 years. Managing a fleet of high-speed Red Jet catamarans and vehicle ferries, Red Funnel sought to elevate its customer service standard by installing an integrated, multi-terminal digital signage network. Navaho Technologies was chosen to deliver scalable digital media solutions across terminals, gangways, cafes, and vessels.

The challenge

Providing clear, accurate passenger communication across land-based terminals and moving vessels presents unique technical hurdles. Red Funnel needed a centralized platform to manage diverse media, ranging from ticketing schedules and live news to vessel positioning and safety updates, while maintaining reliable operations during off-peak and unmanned hours.

The approach

Navaho deployed a robust digital signage hardware and software network across Red Funnel's physical infrastructure:

1. Cross-facility coverage: installed LCD displays driven by Navaho players across the main Southampton terminal, Red Jet terminals (Southampton & West Cowes), onboard three High-Speed Catamarans, and inside Stearn Coffee Co. cafes.
2. AIS tracking & bridge webcams: real-time vessel tracking via AIS display engines, paired with live webcam streams from the captain's bridge for passenger viewing.
3. Multimodal connection feeds: live onward travel schedules for regional rail services alongside RSS BBC News feeds.
4. 24/7 gangway information: high-brightness displays mounted along terminal gangways display late-night schedules and automated ticketing instructions after ticket offices close.

The result

1. Improved customer satisfaction: replaced paper point-of-sale notices with dynamic, real-time service updates and local tourism promotions.
2. Reduced operational costs: eliminated ongoing print production costs for routine timetable changes and notices.
3. Scalable architecture: implemented a future-proof display network capable of expanding alongside Red Funnel's evolving fleet requirements.

"We chose the Digital Signage solution from Navaho for its scalability and proven track record within the travel industry."

— Jonathan Green, Sales & Marketing Director, Red Funnel