A proposed zero-emission fast ferry service linking Swansea with the South West of England has received an encouraging response so far.
More than 3,000 people voted during the first week of an online survey launched earlier this month, with over 98% saying they’d support the introduction of a fast zero-emission ferry.
Supported by funding from Swansea Council through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the research is being carried out by a company called Ocean which specialises in accelerated maritime decarbonisation and transition to zero-emission.
People and business owners are encouraged to go to this Ocean webpage to cast a yes, no or maybe vote on the concept, leave comments and find out more.
Findings will be regularly shared and there’s also an opportunity to sign up for a newsletter at the Ocean website to be kept up to speed.
Similar research is also planned in due course for the South West of England.
Subject to feedback and the level of public support and demand, further work could then take place to explore details like routes, schedules, capacities and vessel designs.
Dave Sampson, Chief Executive of Ocean, said: “The response so far has been very encouraging, and every comment submitted will be used in our consideration of how best to develop the potential for this project.
“We’d encourage as many people as possible to vote and comment, and you can also help us by making a donation at our GoFundMe page.
“Early findings show strong interest in a fast zero-emission crossing that could reduce pressure on major roads while boosting tourism and innovation across the region, but we’d encourage anyone who hasn’t yet taken part in the survey to head to the website and let us know your views, where you want to sail to and why.
“The importance of sustainability is a recurring theme of the feedback so far and people have also expressed their practical concerns about affordability, tidal conditions, infrastructure, timetables, environmental impact, weather resilience and the need to keep local communities informed.
“These concerns – along with details like vessel designs, routes, capacities and funding options – will be explored in detail and made available for feedback if public interest in further exploring the concept continues to be strong.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Feedback from residents, businesses and communities on this idea will continue to play a key role in determining whether to take next steps or not.
“Subject to its viability, a zero-emission fast ferry service has the potential to further boost our tourism industry, create jobs for local people, reduce congestion and contribute to our vision to be a net zero city.
“It could supplement an investment programme worth over £1bn which is ongoing in Swansea to make our city a leading destination to work, live, visit, study and enjoy.
“There could be an opportunity to deliver port and energy infrastructure improvements as part of lagoon developments on both sides of the Severn Estuary, which was recently endorsed in the Severn Estuary Commission’s report.”
Other comments forming part of the research so far show the importance of quick loading and unloading if the scheme is to go ahead in future.
