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WIGHTLINK must clear environmental hurdles before it can bring two vessels it has already built to Hampshire.

The ferry company has spent £10m on the ferries which are due to arrive in England from Croatia to operate on the Lymington to Yarmouth route starting in June.

But they have been heavily criticised by Lymington River users who fear they are too big for the waterway.

Wightlink is now facing another challenge - in the form of an environmental survey.

The Government's Marine and Fisheries Agency has told the company it must conduct an appropriate assessment into the potential environmental damage these vessels could do.

The agency ordered the assessment in response to a request from the Royal Yachting Association.

Wightlink's plans to extend ramps in Lymington to accommodate the ferries need approval from the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Hilary Benn.

The 1,496-ton ferries will be able to carry 65 vehicles. The current 34-year-old vessels carry 50 vehicles and weigh 850 tons.

Peter Hooley, from the Marine and Fisheries Agency, said: "Wightlink has commissioned marine consultants to carry out the appropriate assessment and prepare a report.

"The assessment will look at the potential effects on nature conservation that may arise from the operation of the proposed larger ferries. Wightlink will then have to address any issues raised."

Wightlink said it is confident the introduction of the new ferries will go as planned. A spokesman said: "Wightlink agreed to commission the assessment to allay concerns. The assessment is progressing well.

"Wightlink does not expect there to be any greater adverse impact on the environment as a consequence of the new ferries operating.

"The new ferries are, in fact, more environmentally friendly than the old ones as they will be more fuel efficient.

"Any prospective increase in wash generation, whilst expected to be minimal, will be controlled through reduced speed."