Red Jet 5, which is heading to London for the Olympic Games.
AN Isle of Wight ferry will play its part in the London 2012 Olympics.
Red Funnel chief executive James Fulford confirmed this morning (Friday) that passenger vessel Red Jet 5 would be used during the games to ferry people along the Thames.
The boat has been chartered by games' transport providers and will be deployed where organising committee LOCOG determines it is most needed, according to Mr Fulford.
"The Olympics is a massive event for the country. We will be playing a tiny part, by moving traffic on the river and that's great news for Red Funnel and for the Island, because the vessel is very clearly branded as coming from the Island.
"It's a great stage."
Mr Fulford said the use of Red Jet 5 on the Thames, for around ten days, should not affect Isle of Wight services.
He said the company had to balance the risk of being without the boat being available if one of the other Red Jets broke down, with the benefits of the deal, including the promotional value to the company and the money from the deal.
"The Red Jet fleet has not been performing as we would like financially and this is a way of keeping fares down," said Mr Fulford, who declined to comment on the value of the deal.
Mr Fulford confirmed the vessel was not due to feature in the spectacular Danny Boyle created opening ceremony due to take place tonight (Friday)