The ferry, which has operated since the 1840s, connects Fleetwood and Knott End-on-Sea across the River Wyre estuary, carrying up to 35 people per trip. By car, the alternative route via Shard Bridge spans about 11 miles and takes approximately 25 minutes. Wyre Council and Lancashire County Council have worked to secure the ferry's long-term future, but efforts have not yielded a sustainable solution.
According to Wyre Council, the council remains in discussion with the current operator, Wyre Marine Services, regarding the service's future, and over the past 18 months, extensive steps were taken with Lancashire County Council, which jointly subsidizes the service, to ensure its continuation. A three-year campaign to save the ferry has highlighted its importance, with campaigners describing it as a vital service and a solid piece of heritage. Campaigner Anton Arenko started a petition last year when funding seemed doubtful, and according to Daily Express - UK News, Anton Arenko described the shutdown as a massive blow to a town that has lost too much, expressing confusion over how it was allowed despite public belief that a contract had been secured.
I am truly gobsmacked right now. I have no words left. I’m very confused how, despite our campaigning, they’ve allowed this to happen, I and the public were led to believe we were successful and a contract had been secured for another three years. This is a massive blow to a town that has lost too much.
Some people have called the ferry a national treasure, warning that its loss would devastate the local economy. There is currently no financially viable and deliverable proposal to continue the ferry service beyond the current contract. The specific steps during the tender process and why no compliant tenders were received remain unclear, as do any ongoing negotiations or alternative plans to revive the service after April 2026.
Additionally, the exact financial reasons or viability assessments that led to the conclusion that no proposal is deliverable have not been detailed.
Wyre Council has today confirmed that the Fleetwood–Knott End ferry service is due to end on 15 April 2026. The Council remains in discussion with the current operator, Wyre Marine Services, regarding the future of the service. Over the past 18 months, the Council, working closely with Lancashire County Council, who jointly subsidise the existing service, has taken extensive steps to secure the long term future of the ferry.