EditorFERRY FARCE? Doubts grow over Swansea crossing as ‘fairy story’ jibe lands
The proposed Bristol Channel crossing – linking Swansea with south-west England – has been talked up as a game-changer for travel and jobs.
But cracks are starting to show.
At a tense council meeting this week, opposition councillor Stuart Rice questioned whether the scheme was realistic at all, asking leader Rob Stewart if it was “more of a fairy story than a ferry story”.
The comments come just days after a new report suggested the idea had a “compelling” economic case and overwhelming public backing, with strong support recorded for a Swansea-based service.
The proposal centres on a high-speed, low-emission ferry capable of carrying hundreds of passengers and vehicles across the Bristol Channel – with backers claiming it could slash journey times and ease pressure on major roads.
But despite the optimism, key details remain missing.
No ports have been confirmed.
No vessel has been designed.
And no firm agreements are in place with partners across the water.
Even Swansea Council has admitted in responses seen by reporters that no formal discussions have taken place with councils in Devon or Somerset in recent years.
That raises serious questions about how close – or how far – the plan really is.
Cllr Stewart defended the project, insisting it was worth exploring.
“I don’t think there is anything really to knock on this one,” he said, arguing journey times could be cut dramatically and that Swansea’s appeal would draw visitors.
He also stressed the ferry would not just be about passengers – but freight too, boosting its viability.
But others are not convinced.
Liberal Democrat group leader Chris Holley backed the idea in principle but warned there were practical issues – including whether vessels could even dock close to the city centre.
He pointed to past problems with ferry schemes, including vessels being unable to pass through Swansea’s lock gates.
Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised that passengers could simply drive straight out of the city via the M4 – limiting the economic boost locally.
Adding to the uncertainty, the report behind the plans admits major hurdles remain.
These include dealing with the Bristol Channel’s extreme tidal range, designing specialist vessels, and building the necessary port infrastructure.
And in a new twist, Burry Port has quietly emerged as a potential landing site – despite there being no detail yet on how a ferry could operate from a harbour known for having one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.
Now, Carmarthenshire Council has confirmed it has not been involved in any talks.
Director Ainsley Williams said: “There have been no discussions on specific proposals relating directly to Carmarthenshire at this time.
“We remain open to further discussions should any formal proposals come forward.”
That lack of engagement will raise eyebrows given the scale of what’s being suggested.
Elsewhere, questions remain about where the ferry would land in England, with Ilfracombe already ruled out and larger ports like Bideford mentioned as alternatives.
For now, the ferry remains firmly in the “idea” stage.
And while supporters point to potential benefits like cutting congestion on the M4 and M5 and boosting tourism, critics say the fundamentals are still missing.
For people across Swansea Bay, it leaves a simple question.
Is this the start of a bold new transport link – or just another grand plan that never leaves the drawing board?
What do you think – ferry future or fairy tale?
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