The Sandbanks Ferry Company (SFC) is today announcing a new commitment to reducing the ferry’s future carbon emissions in light of the Government’s target to get greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
As SFC makes plans to safeguard the future of the ferry service between Sandbanks and Studland for future generations of passengers, it is also now ensuring that it will, as far as possible, lower its carbon footprint as a key part of this plan.
To meet this priority, SFC is today making a public commitment to carry out ongoing robust investigations into emerging environmentally-friendly alternatives to diesel propulsion for the replacement of the Bramble Bush Bay, which is due to be ordered in 2032.
Currently, Naval Architects do not believe there is a viable non-diesel alternative drive system available on the market and the costs of unproven emerging technologies are an unknown. However, as and when alternative power sources become available, SFC will continue to evaluate their viability and sustainability. These alternative power sources will include but not be limited to electric, hydrogen and biofuel.
Speaking today, Mike Kean, Managing Director of the Sandbanks Ferry, said: “The Sandbanks Ferry is already one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport in Dorset, saving customers more than 9 million road miles every year. However, we know that we can all do more, and today’s announcement signals our public commitment to looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint even further when we come to replace Bramble Bush Bay.
“We are committed to continuing to serve the residents of Dorset and beyond well into the future, and we want to make sure that in the future we can offer a service that is as green as possible too.”
This new commitment follows ongoing close consultation with local stakeholders through the Sandbanks Ferry Community Liaison Group and is being made as part of the Ferry Company’s current toll increase application. Toll increases are an important part of the Ferry Company’s prudent financial management and they secure the future safe and reliable running of the current vessel, the Bramble Bush Bay. Alongside increases in efficiency, cost savings and the commitment from the Directors not to pay dividends to the owners until the ferry replacement fund is topped up, sound financial planning also ensures that a replacement ferry – ideally a more environmentally-friendly one than the Bramble Bush Bay – can be purchased, when it is judged necessary by the Company’s Naval Architects.
SFC has not had a toll increase approved for any class of vehicle fare for over 5 years, and over 10 years for foot passengers and bikes. In addition to funding a future replacement ferry, a small fare increase will help to keep pace with rising operating and staff costs.
More information and details of the ferry timetable can be found at: http://www.sandbanksferry.co.uk/timetable.php. Service updates are announced on the Twitter feed at @sandbanksferry and on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sandbanksferry.