The company that currently operates the Gosport ferry was created in 1883 as the "Port of Portsmouth Steam Launch & Towing Company", making it one of the longest serving ferry services in the UK. In 1963, it took over the "Gosport & Portsea Watermen's Steam Launch Company", founded in 1875 by the Watermen, who had operated ferries on the route for centuries. These Watermen had enjoyed protected rights between 1603 and 1840, limiting operation of ferries on the route to Gosport residents.