Ilfracombe ferry heads for a �100,000 facelift
THE operators of the new Ilfracombe to Swansea ferry service has taken delivery of the first ship in its fleet. Severn Link has the 360 passenger, 34 knot Kvaerner FlyingCat passenger catamaran from Wightlink for a seven figure sum. It is currently enjoyi
THE operators of the new Ilfracombe to Swansea ferry service has taken delivery of the first ship in its fleet.
Severn Link has the 360 passenger, 34 knot Kvaerner FlyingCat passenger catamaran from Wightlink for a seven figure sum.
It is currently enjoying a full exterior paint job and rebranding in its new livery as well as an overhaul, at the Portchester yard in Portsmouth.
The hull is being blasted with ultra high pressure water at 40,000 tonnes of pressure per square inch to remove all previous paint layers.
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The build up of paint is not removed at every paint job but periodically, otherwise the increased weight makes the vessels less fuel efficient.
Once the repaint is completed Severn Link will move the former FastCat Shanklin to its new base in Swansea, where a full inside refit will take place before the vessel goes into service in March. Severn Link said the entire refurbishment is expected to cost in the region of �100,000, with all suppliers for the interior refit being sourced wherever possible from Swansea and South Wales.
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The company is also in the process of obtaining the necessary approvals and permits from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for its new vessel, prior to it being moved from Portsmouth to Swansea.
"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," said Geoff Metcalf, Managing Director of Severn Link.
"This excellent modern vessel will make a crossing from Swansea to Ilfracombe fun, fast and affordable.
