last updated 20th July 05
by 4ecotips.com

Diesel engines are sunk

Two of the 1920s Coniston ferries, the ML Ruskin and ML Ransome, have been converted to solar-powered passenger ferries and are taking to one of the Lake District's most famous stretches of water. Gina Campbell, daughter of the late Sir Donald Campbell, was at Coniston Water to officially launch the unique craft.

The innovative project has seen diesel engines in the two launches replaced with solar-powered electric engines. The £100,000 scheme has been hailed as the first of its kind in the UK and is backed by Government grants.

The vessels, owned by Coniston Launch, began trials in December 2004, with a full service promised for later in 2005.

Gordon Hall, who runs the ferry company, says: “We have always felt strongly about our responsibility to the sensitive and unique environment of the Lake District. But we were not content to simply preach about preserving the environment, we wanted to make our ideas a reality.”

Gina Campbell, whose father died trying to break with water speed record in Bluebird, said: “My dad's name will forever be associated with Coniston Water. Here he pushed the boundaries of the technology of his time in his quest for speed.

“Now, 40 years after his death, Coniston Launch is also pushing technological boundaries.”