Ferry operator Severn Link has announced plans to create a regular fast, and affordable passenger ferry service between Ilfracombe and Swansea, due to commence operation early next year.
The Severn Link service will be the very first time a regular modern ferry route has joined the two shores of the Bristol Channel - creating a unique and much-needed connection between one of England's most visited tourist regions and the populous economic and cultural hub of Wales. The Severn Link service is a bold new step to reconnect the communities, heritage and history of two areas which, despite lying within sight of each other, have never before had the opportunity within modern times to take advantage of their neighbouring status, whether practically, economically and socially.
Regular transport links between the two areas have, in modern times, been limited to road or rail travel, adding many hours onto travel times and many more pounds onto travel costs. By travelling via Severn Link ferry, travel times and environmental impact will be drastically cut, with its swift 34 knot, 360 passenger catamarans taking just fifty minutes to complete a journey which would typically take around three and a half hours by road.
Severn Link is the brainchild of Somerset-based Chris Marrow, a highly respected marine professional and pioneer of international repute, and one of the few people in the UK with a proven track record in creating new ferry routes, all of which are in operation today. Chris has brought together a team of the highest possible calibre who share the Severn Link vision - including one of Britain's top marine engineers, a world renowned fast ferry specialist and internationally respected financial expertise.
Speaking of the reasons behind the inception of Severn Link, Chris said
"To my knowledge, there is no other comparable stretch of water in the world, linking similarly populated areas, which doesn't have a heavily utilised ferry service - and market research has shown that there is a huge demand for this ferry route within South West England. The Severn Link ferries will open up multiple opportunities - not just for ease of travel into the South West, therefore bringing a considerable increase in tourism and economic benefits - but to also bring the business, cultural, sporting and retail aspects of South Wales into easy reach of those living in our region."
The Ilfracombe - Swansea route is just the first route in a series of planned major destinations on both sides of the Bristol Channel, with plans for more exciting and affordable Severn Link routes between South Wales and the northern coast of South West England currently in development and due to be announced next year - adding additional travel options for those living in and travelling to the South West.
The Severn Link website (www.severnlink.com) is now live and available to view destinations, ferry information, book advance tickets and discover further details about the company.
Date added: Friday 20th November 2009
Latest updated: Tuesday 31st January 2012
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