A proposal for a ferry service connecting Swansea with the southwest region of England has received overwhelming public support, according to the findings from a recent consultation. In fact, nearly all participants—98% of over 4,000 respondents—expressed their enthusiasm for a fast ferry that would traverse the Bristol Channel. However, Swansea Council indicated that further assessments regarding feasibility are necessary before moving forward with the project.
The idea of a hydrogen-powered ferry that would facilitate travel between Wales and the counties of Devon and Cornwall was initially proposed by Rob Stewart, the leader of Swansea Council, back in April 2022. This initiative aims to provide a quicker, eco-friendly transportation alternative that could alleviate congestion on the M4 and M5 motorways, making it an attractive option for travelers.
Despite the positive feedback, several critical issues remain unresolved. For instance, there are significant questions regarding the location of the ferry berth, the investment required to upgrade port facilities, whether the public's enthusiasm will translate into actual ticket sales, and how the ferry can achieve zero-carbon emission standards. While the detailed results of the consultation have yet to be published, the maritime company Ocean Prime, which conducted the survey, is currently developing an interim business case to explore these challenges further.
Interestingly, it was reported last week that Devon County Council has not engaged in discussions with its counterparts in Swansea concerning the hydrogen ferry proposal for the past two years. This raises concerns about collaboration between regions that could be vital for the success of the project. A representative from Swansea Council commented on the progress made through Ocean Prime's consultation, stating that "thorough technical and commercial assessments have unveiled promising opportunities. Further feasibility studies will commence in the coming months to evaluate how these opportunities can be realized."
Additionally, since becoming aware of the ferry concept in 2023, Ocean Prime has held discussions with various regional council experts, including harbor masters, to ensure all aspects of the project are considered. Meetings between Swansea Council, Ocean Prime, and councils from the southwest of England are planned to delve deeper into the feasibility of the ferry service now that market testing has been completed in the Swansea area.
Dave Sampson, the CEO of Ocean Prime, has characterized the ferry link plans as being in the very preliminary stages, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer demand for such a service. He envisions a ferry approximately 55 meters (or 180 feet) in length, capable of carrying passengers, vehicles, and some cargo at impressive speeds of up to 40 knots (around 46 miles per hour). The goal is to establish a service that operates regularly throughout the year, rather than being limited to just the summer season.
It's worth noting that a previous attempt to launch a fast ferry service between Swansea and Ilfracombe in north Devon—called Severnlink—nearly came to fruition in 2010 but ultimately fell victim to funding challenges.
Moreover, Swansea Council disclosed that it has invested £24,995 in the Ocean Prime consultation project, responding to a Freedom of Information request from a former councillor regarding project costs. No additional funds have been earmarked for this initiative at this time.
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