Delays in getting the passenger certificate needed to put a new £1 million ferry between the New Forest and Isle of Wight into service is causing frustration for its enthusiastic owners.

Kraken, an independent rival to Wightlink's service between Yarmouth and Lymington, run by Anderson Boat Cruises, based in Yarmouth, had hoped, earlier last month, to have been in service towards the end of July.

But that date has passed and, following an all-important passenger certificate survey on July 16, by the Maritime Coastguard Agency, owners Tim and Michelle Anderson were told they needed a tiny button installed in the wheelhouse, which automatically releases life rafts, in case of an emergency.

(Image: County Press)

The part is currently on order and is holding up the operation. Michelle said it has been a frustrating, but necessary process.

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"It is a tiny part, which is coming from China. We've been waiting for weeks for it. Once received, Wight Shipyards will install it and then we're in business," she said.

One piece of good news is that a delayed consignment of 120 lifejackets has now arrived from China, via Russia, by train.

Built by Blyth Catamarans, Canvey Island, and funded by a private investor, Magnus Gundersen, from New Milton, Kraken is 15m long, can hold up to 110 passengers over two decks and can run at up to 20 knots, with a 'working speed' of 14 knots.

When eventually operating between Yarmouth and Lymington, the journey time will be 40 minutes.

Michelle, who remains "very excited" with the new vessel has, however, also expressed concerns over a mooring issue with Yarmouth Harbour Commission, for Kraken passengers — rejecting its suggestion to use the end of Yarmouth Pier, rather than the harbour, which she says would be "problematic for passengers, particularly those with disabilities".

"There is no problem the Lymington end. Yarmouth Harbour Commission want us to use the pier, but it is not viable for us," said Michelle.

"It would be much better if we landed in Yarmouth Harbour.

"I've spoken to Yarmouth's mayor and many other people in the town, who are all very excited about the ferry service.

"The Island is crying out for it. We must get there, but at the moment it's a bit of a flat pancake because we are losing potential business.

"We cannot produce a timetable yet, as we have no start date, which is annoying.

"We are now hoping for an Indian summer."

Michelle said her and Tim have, in the meantime, been conducting Solent sea trials with Kraken, between Lymington and Cowes, which has opened up the possibility of an additional future route, never exploited by ferry companies before.

"The journey only takes 40 minutes, which is brilliant. We are seriously looking into it," said Michelle.