Talks are underway over plans for a new ferry service running between Swansea and south-west England.

The idea is being discussed between Cornwall Council and authorities in Wales and is said to be at a very early stage with few details released at this time.

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet member for transport, Philip Desmonde, has confirmed that he is “aware” of discussions about the possible new service but said he could not provide any more information.

It comes after it was reported that Swansea Council was in talks with council officials in both Cornwall and Devon about a new hydrogen-powered ferry service linking Wales with the south west.

The report claimed that Welsh authorities were looking at which locations in Cornwall or Devon could be used for a ferry service. There is no indication whether the crossing could also be used for goods and freight.

Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, indicated he was keen on the idea: “This would be a massive boost for tourism and business – to think you could cut your travel time to Devon and Cornwall by half, and of course it would have environmental benefits too: taking cars off the road and introducing green-powered ferries.”

Cllr Desmonde, Cabinet member for transport at Cornwall Council said: “I am aware of this but I don’t know anything more about it at this time.”

It is not the first time that the idea of a ferry service linking Cornwall or Devon to Wales has been put forward. Some years ago there were discussions at Cornwall Council about the possibility and a proposed service was drawn up to link Swansea and Ilfracombe in Devon, although it never materialised.