A long-term contract for the running of the historic Tilbury passenger ferry has been awarded.

Jetstream Tours, which in May took over the operation of the service on a temporary basis, will stay at the helm for the next five years after a Kent County Council and Thurrock council tender process.

The service is used by 200 passengers every day and there is a history of a ferry running between Gravesend’s Town Pier and the Port of Tilbury, dating back to the 13th century.

It has been subsidised by both councils since 2001 when a previous operator went into administration.

Matthew Balfour, KCC cabinet member for transportation, said: “There has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes to secure the future of this service for the next five years.

“I know how important it is to people in the area, with some 120,000 journeys made on the service each year and we’re happy to announce Jetstream Tours will be continuing their work, having recently stepped in to take on the service.

“They have already proven themselves to be a valued partner and we are confident that
the service can thrive with them providing it.”

n The ferry was out of action until just before 9.30am on Tuesday after an electrical fault on the entry shutters at Town Pier.