3rd February 2010
Ferry operator Severn Link, who in November announced plans to launch the very first regular modern ferry service across the Bristol Channel, connecting Ilfracombe in Devon with Swansea, has taken delivery of the first ferry in its fleet.
This ferry will give Wales Holidays self-catering clients a quick route from the South West of England to cottages in the Swansea and Gower areas.
The 360 passenger, 34 knot Kvaerner ‘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.
The ferry previously operated as the ‘FastCat Shanklin’ under Wightlink ownership; it has now been lifted from the water at Portchester in Portsmouth and is currently undergoing a full exterior repaint, rebranding and overhaul.
Once the repaint is complete, Severn Link will move the as yet unnamed ferry to its new base in Swansea, where a full interior refit will commence prior to the vessel going into service in March 2010; the entire refurbishment is expected to cost in the region of £100,000.
