First vessel for Wales-England ferry firm
Thursday, 18 Dec, 2009
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Plans for a new domestic ferry link between Wales and England across the Bristol Channel have come a step closer.
Start-up ferry company Severn Link has taken delivery of the first ferry in its fleet as it gears up for approval to start the connection between Swansea and Ilfracombe in North Devon.
The 360-passenger, 34 knot ‘FlyingCat’ passenger catamaran has been purchased from Isle of Wight operator WightLink for a seven figure sum and is the first delivery in a two-vessel deal due to be completed in the new year.
The high speed vessel, which previously operated as the ‘FastCat Shanklin’ under Wightlink ownership, has been lifted from the water at Portchester in Portsmouth and is undergoing a full exterior repaint, rebranding and overhaul.
Severn Link will then move the as yet unnamed ferry to its new base in Swansea, where a full interior refit will commence prior to the planned start of services in March.
The entire refurbishment is expected to cost in the region of £100,000.
Severn Link is in the process of obtaining the necessary approvals and weather permits from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which it says will all be in place prior to the new vessel being transferred from Portsmouth to Swansea.
Managing director Geoff Metcalf said: “Completion of the purchase by Severn Link of the ‘FastCat Shanklin’ from Wightlink Ferries brings closer to fruition the company’s plans to run ferry services in the Bristol Channel commencing in spring 2010.
“This excellent modern vessel will make a crossing from Swansea to Ilfracombe fun, fast and affordable.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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