Red tape delays trials of sea-skimming ferry vessel

Jessica Benton
RED tape is holding up trials of a “sea skimmer” vessel to ferry commuters between Geelong and Melbourne, according to a the proponent.
Transport businessman Barry Miller said he was still waiting for approval from various authorities.
“We’re about six weeks behind schedule at this stage,” he said.
“We’ve had to go through a number of authorities to get the green lights and they’ve been slow on approving various things.”
Mr Miller told the Independent in November that City of Greater Geelong had backed the trials, which were to begin this month.
He now hoped the six-to-12-month trial would begin next month.
Mr Miller has proposed the water-skimming, aircraft-like passenger vessel for ferrying people between Geelong’s Steampacket Pier and Port of Melbourne’s Beacon Cove.
The service could also include links to Portarlington, Queenscliff, Sorrento, Frankston and Werribee South, he said.
The vessel could reach speeds up to 150km/h, cruising half a metre to three metres above the water.
The 30-minute trip will cost passenger $118 for the return journey.