The proposal to establish a ferry route connecting Swansea with the southwest of England has garnered widespread public support, according to a recent consultation. Almost all participants, representing 98% of over 4,000 respondents, expressed enthusiasm for a fast ferry service that would traverse the Bristol Channel. However, officials from Swansea Council have indicated that further feasibility studies are necessary before moving forward.
Rob Stewart, the leader of Swansea Council, first revealed intentions to support a hydrogen-powered ferry between Wales and the regions of Devon and Cornwall back in April 2022. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to create sustainable transport options and promote environmentally friendly travel.
The consultation, funded by the council, commenced last year and attracted advocates who see this ferry service as a quick and eco-friendly alternative to the heavily trafficked M4 and M5 motorways. However, several important factors remain unresolved. Key considerations include identifying suitable docking locations, determining the level of investment required to upgrade port facilities, translating public interest into actual reservations, and establishing how the ferry service would achieve zero-carbon emissions.
While the detailed results of the consultation have yet to be disclosed, Swansea Council noted that Ocean Prime, the maritime company conducting the study, has made progress on a preliminary business case. Interestingly, it was reported last week that Devon County Council had not engaged in any discussions with its Swansea counterparts about the proposed hydrogen ferry in the last two years, raising eyebrows regarding collaboration on this project.
A spokesperson for Swansea Council elaborated on the work being done by Ocean Prime, stating, "Comprehensive technical and commercial evaluations have uncovered promising opportunities. We will conduct feasibility assessments in the coming months to determine how these might be realized." They added that Ocean Prime has been in contact with various regional experts, including harbor masters, since becoming involved with the project in 2023. These discussions have included talks with representatives from North Devon Council, Somerset Council, and Torridge District Council concerning different aspects of the ferry project.
With market research already conducted in the Swansea area, plans are underway for meetings between Swansea Council, Ocean Prime, and councils in the southwest of England to further investigate the feasibility of the ferry service.
Dave Sampson, CEO of Ocean Prime, has characterized the ferry link initiative as being in its preliminary stages, emphasizing the importance of understanding demand for the service. He envisions a ferry measuring approximately 55 meters (180 feet) in length, accommodating passengers, vehicles, and some cargo, with the capability of reaching speeds up to 40 knots (46 mph). Furthermore, he indicated that the goal would be to provide consistent ferry services throughout the year, rather than limiting operations to the summer season.
It’s worth noting that a previous attempt in 2010 to launch a fast ferry service named Severnlink connecting Swansea and Ilfracombe in north Devon fell short due to funding challenges. In response to a Freedom of Information request last June from a former Swansea councillor, the council revealed that they had spent £24,995 on the Ocean Prime consultation, with no additional funds allocated to the initiative thus far.
