As of 1st August it was announced that the 1946 built Hotspur IV will no longer be part of the Hythe-Southampton service that she has served since new. The veteran failed a survey and the repair costs were deemed too high. Repairs costing £20,000 had already been undertaken but costs continued to spiral so a halt was called to the work.

Local reports suggested that the vessel, languishing at Saxon Wharf on the River Itchen, would be donated for preservation. On the afternoon of 10th September the former White Horse Ferries trimaran Uriah Heep arrived at Hythe Pier under tow by the tug Rona D. The 60 seater vessel was built in 1999 as one of six and had been laid up at Faversham for several years. Intended for Rotherhithe-Central London commuter services the craft never entered regular service and her owners went into receivership in 2000.

The ferry will now receive a refit before being made ready for service as a replacement for the Hotspur IV.