‘Green energy’ plan for ferries between Cardiff and Bristol
Reporter
WATER taxis could soon be travelling between Cardiff and Bristol, powered by “green” energy.
Plymouth-based Patriot Yachts is behind plans to introduce the service which would see converted passenger ferries shuttle between the two cities, using hydrogen power.
The company wants to launch the service with two boats, costing around £1m.
They would also use solar panels and wind turbines, making them selfsufficient.
And it also has plans to introduce a further service, travelling between Ilfracombe, Newport and Cardiff.
Director of Patriot Yachts Connor Johnson said: “It would be totally green energy.
“We have already started building, but obviously we have been delayed by the coronavirus lockdown.
“The plan is to introduce them later this year, with the Illfracombe-Newport-Cardiff service after that.”
Hydrogen propulsion works by reacting the gas with oxygen in a fuel cell to run electric motors. It is seen as a green and efficient form of energy.
The firm is working with companies in the USA, Serbia and Turkey, involved in the cutting-edge of hydrogen propulsion technology.
And they are also working with the Maritime Coastguard Agency, which will issue a licence to operate once the vessels pass inspection, at which stage trials will begin.
One of the vessels will be 19 metres in length, capable of carrying 52 passengers, and the other 12 metres, capable of carrying 40.
The Illfracombe service involves a ferry which could seat between 500 and 700 people.