New plan for Scillies route
Charlie Cartwright, former chief executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company which operates the current ferry, the Scillonian, says his 365-passenger vessel could help "increase the day-tripping market" to the island by offering a 90-minute journey time between the two destinations.
The ship, Cloud 10, would initially operate from Albert Pier in Penzance, although Mr Cartwright said he would also consider running services to St Mary's from other Cornish mainland destinations such as Newquay.
The proposal is the latest move in the sage surrounding Penzance Harbour, which Cornwall Council's Route Partnership wants to modernise to update transport links between the isles and the Cornish mainland.
Current plans to modernise the ferry link have divided public opinion.
Some local campaigners, supporters of Friends of Penzance Harbour, want to prevent any works which they say will have a detrimental impact on the historic docks, including "obliterating a much-loved beach", at Battery Rocks. However, the council denies this, saying there will be no detrimental impact to the environment, townscape, or seascape.
Work is now planned to carry out further site investigation works off the end of Lighthouse Pier at Penzance using a marine drilling rig, something which John Maggs, of campaign group Friends of Penzance Harbour, has described as "disrespectful" to residents who are "overwhelmingly against the scheme".
He added: "Cornwall Council must now stop wasting time and taxpayers money on this ill-conceived scheme, withdraw the current planning applications, and get on with redesigning the scheme to fit the needs and aspirations not just of the Scillies but of Penzance too."
Mr Cartwright said his own plans for the transport link are not at such an advanced stage and admitted the next stage may depend on how the Route Partnership's proposals progress.
He said: "The Cloud 10 idea is on hold at the moment until we get an update on what the Route Partnership plans to do. There are various hoops to go through before we can see Cloud 10 operating from Cornwall, but its owners are very keen for the vessel to be earning its keep again."
Cloud 10 was previously used in America, where it ran regular trips between Florida and the Bahamas. It was built in Southampton and dispatched to America three years ago.
Asked whether Cloud 10 would pose any threat to the Scillonian, Mr Cartwright said: "We would not be in direct competition. What I want to do is provide an enhancement to the current transport links and increase visitors to the islands.
"There are few sights as spectacular as the sun setting off Lands End, and we could allow customers to see that."
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company was asked for its views but it had not responded at the time of going to press.
