
Innovative Zero-Emission Channel Ferry - Public Research
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How Ferry Exciting! Help Us Launch A Game-Changing Channel Ferry.
For decades, the idea of a ferry crossing the British Channel has felt like a dream—something for “maybe one day.”
But Dave Sampson isn’t a “maybe one day” kind of guy. He’s a “let’s make it happen today” kind of guy.
From Coastline Passion to Community Mission.
Born in Barry, South Wales, with a strong family maritime heritage from Cornish Mousehole fishermen, the Royal Navy and 19th century master mariners, Dave’s love for the sea runs deep. With a Marine Biology degree from Swansea University and a lifelong commitment to using the latest technology to improve people's lives, he’s now bringing that passion and agency to realise The Ferry Project—a bold vision to connect the South West of England, South Wales and South East Ireland via a fast ferry network service carrying passengers, vehicles, and freight. He is determined the service will be convenient, affordable and will use local resources as much as possible - the vessel is to be built in local shipyards, powered by local renewable energy, crewed and operated by staff trained in local colleges and universities.
And that’s where you come in. We need your support!
Why This Matters — For All Of Us.
This isn’t just about a ferry. It’s about shaping a smarter, greener future for our region. Your donation supports a project with long-term, wide-reaching benefits:
✅ Create jobs and new investment opportunities
✅ Support local businesses & tourism
✅ Reduce congestion on the M4 & M5
✅ Lower travel times between coasts
✅ Cut water, air and noise pollution
✅ Advance the UK’s sustainable transport goals
This ferry is more than just a boat—it’s a connection to a prosperous green community economy.
Where We’re At — And What Comes Next.
We’ve already completed Phase One, gathering public sentiment and building momentum. The response? Overwhelmingly positive.
Now we’re in Phase Two—and this is where your donation can make the biggest difference.
We need to commission a detailed Feasibility Study to move forward. This critical research will unlock funding, support, and council approvals. With it, we’ll have the data and blueprint to bring this ferry to life. (See phase details and timeline below).
What Your Donation Will Fund:
This comprehensive feasibility report will cover:
Economic Impact
Environmental Impact
Financial Modelling & Business Planning
⚙️ Technical and Infrastructure Requirements
Vessel Needs and Specifications
With your support, we can take this to councils, investors, and stakeholders with confidence—and get a green light to build the first vessel.
Why Now?
We know people are cautious about how funds are spent. But this is an investment in a solution that pays back into the community with jobs, revenue, and clean innovation.
The need for zero emission transport with a positive impact on the environment, a range of well paid jobs in multiple locations, supporting regional economic and social development has never been greater. Help us be first to market—and first to make a difference.
Join The Growing Ocean Crew.
The team at Ocean are passionate changemakers ready to take this to the next level. But we can’t sail without you.
Donate today to help us fund the feasibility study
Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date and learn more about our progress
Share this campaign and help spread the word
We’re beyond grateful for the waves of support we’ve already received. Together, let’s chart a new course for our region—one that’s ferry sustainable, ferry smart, and ferry exciting!
Let’s make it happen.
If you want to know more about "Ocean" go to our website www.oceanprime.co. The poll is still open so cast your vote and share your thoughts.
Thank you so much,
Diolch yn fawr iawn,
Dave Sampson, CEO and Co-Founder.
Phases for the project:
PHASE ONE March 2025 – Website Launch & Public Poll.
We have launched our project on our website where people can learn about the ferry research and vote Yes, No or Maybe and you can add your thoughts and ideas too.
Go to: Ferry Research
PHASE TWO April–June 2025 – Initial Data Gathering & Stakeholder Outreach.
We will collect surveys, hold community consultations, and begin engaging with local businesses, councils, and interested groups from all sectors.
PHASE THREE July–September 2025 – Focus Groups & Detailed Analysis.
In-depth interviews, focus groups, traffic data analysis and research of other UK and international ferry services will help refine feasibility models.
PHASE 4 October–December 2025 – Draft Report & Financial Modelling.
We’ll compile findings, perform financial viability studies, and engage with regulatory and environmental stakeholders.
PHASE 5 January 2026 – Final Report.
We will present our completed research report to Swansea Council and the public, showing the economic viability of a ferry service and associated benefits for the region.
Co-organizers (1)

Dave Sampson
Organizer
England
Jen McCormick
Co-organizer