ECONOMIC and shipping experts have thrown their weight behind plans to launch a ferry service between West Somerset, North Devon and South Wales. Professor Alf Baird, head of the Maritime Research Group at Edinburgh's Napier University, claims such a link is "inevitable", while leading Welsh business academic Professor Brian Morgan from the Cardiff School of Management at the University of Wales has billed the business plan as "robust". "The routes are inevitable," said Professor Baird. "Many historic ferry routes are being re-started due to rising road transport costs and worsening congestion, aided by ongoing technological advances in ferry design." Chris Marrow, who is leading the project, said he was confident passengers could one day be travelling between Minehead and Penarth in a matter of minutes. "Plans to use high-speed catamarans will bring journey times between Ilfracombe to the Mumbles to just over 40 minutes and Minehead to Penarth will take little more than half an hour," he said. Work carried out so far has included analysis of market research, target populations and passenger numbers which use ferry services in other parts of the UK and around the globe. Mr Marrow, who lives in Wellington, said: "Our business plan has now been finalised. "A company has already been formed, and the financing of the vessels is being actively discussed with the banks and equity partners." Business leaders from across the South West and South Wales regions have also held two high-profile meetings to further develop proposals to set up commercial links using fast cat ferries. Cllr Michael Downes, West Somerset Council's economic portfolio holder, said: "A cross-Bristol Channel ferry has the potential to open up new tourism opportunities for West Somerset. "I'm looking forward to seeing detailed proposals because if it proves viable, it will be positive for residents, tourism and the local economy."
