Discussion
Any one uesed them?
Found this on their website after trying to book to go on a wine/beer in december, doesnt look good..
Latest Travel News
7 November 2008 09:00
Arrest of SpeedOne by the Port Authorities in Boulogne
Yesterday afternoon, shortly after 17:00 UK time, the Port authorities of Boulogne arrested SpeedFerries’ SpeedOne during its turnaround. The arrest was made on the basis of SpeedFerries Limited’s debts to the port in relation to port dues and taxes.
The arrest was totally unexpected, as the authorities had given written confirmation that no legal steps would be taken prior to a meeting planned for 10:00 today. At this meeting SpeedFerries in consultation with its bankers and financial advisors, were to present a proposal for a resolution of the issues relating to outstanding dues and taxes, as well as disputes with the Port regarding:
A) Substantial counterclaims towards the Port which have been entirely ignored by the French authorities, and
B) Serious competition and discriminatory issues in relation to the Port’s dealings with a French ferry operator preparing to start-up a Dover-Boulogne service.
The authorities informed the SpeedFerries staff on site that the arrest was carried out despite the written agreement, as “this would strengthen the negotiating position of the Port against SpeedFerries”.
As the actions of the Boulogne Port authorities are now proven to be unpredictable and inconsistent with their given guarantees, SpeedFerries finds itself in a position where it is unable to inform its customers, employees or business partners, of a firm date for the resumption of services.
The company deeply regrets this situation and asks everyone affected to accept our sincere apologies. Further statements will be issued when more information of substance becomes available.
SpeedFerries Limited
Curt Stavis
Chief Executive Officer
Found this on their website after trying to book to go on a wine/beer in december, doesnt look good..
Latest Travel News
7 November 2008 09:00
Arrest of SpeedOne by the Port Authorities in Boulogne
Yesterday afternoon, shortly after 17:00 UK time, the Port authorities of Boulogne arrested SpeedFerries’ SpeedOne during its turnaround. The arrest was made on the basis of SpeedFerries Limited’s debts to the port in relation to port dues and taxes.
The arrest was totally unexpected, as the authorities had given written confirmation that no legal steps would be taken prior to a meeting planned for 10:00 today. At this meeting SpeedFerries in consultation with its bankers and financial advisors, were to present a proposal for a resolution of the issues relating to outstanding dues and taxes, as well as disputes with the Port regarding:
A) Substantial counterclaims towards the Port which have been entirely ignored by the French authorities, and
B) Serious competition and discriminatory issues in relation to the Port’s dealings with a French ferry operator preparing to start-up a Dover-Boulogne service.
The authorities informed the SpeedFerries staff on site that the arrest was carried out despite the written agreement, as “this would strengthen the negotiating position of the Port against SpeedFerries”.
As the actions of the Boulogne Port authorities are now proven to be unpredictable and inconsistent with their given guarantees, SpeedFerries finds itself in a position where it is unable to inform its customers, employees or business partners, of a firm date for the resumption of services.
The company deeply regrets this situation and asks everyone affected to accept our sincere apologies. Further statements will be issued when more information of substance becomes available.
SpeedFerries Limited
Curt Stavis
Chief Executive Officer
I've used them dozens of times, used to block-book tickets ten crossings at a time to get the cheapest possible fare and always found them to be efficient and quick.
The only downside was that with them having only one craft, if you were crossing late afternoon or evening, any delays during the day compounded so you were sometimes an hour or more late leaving.
I hope they survive, I really do.
The only downside was that with them having only one craft, if you were crossing late afternoon or evening, any delays during the day compounded so you were sometimes an hour or more late leaving.
I hope they survive, I really do.
They're OK but I'd rather use Norfolk Lines if I'm booking a cheap crossing. You get better food on NL and the ship tends to unload a whole lot quicker than the poky catamaran.
In summer when I'm going to the Nurburgring, NorfolkLines' Dunkerque entry is half an hour nearer than SpeedFerries' Boulogne base. In the winter it's a gamble booking with 'em because the cat often gets cancelled in heavy weather that a big ro-ro will just plough straight though.
In summer when I'm going to the Nurburgring, NorfolkLines' Dunkerque entry is half an hour nearer than SpeedFerries' Boulogne base. In the winter it's a gamble booking with 'em because the cat often gets cancelled in heavy weather that a big ro-ro will just plough straight though.
bad_roo said:
They're OK but I'd rather use Norfolk Lines if I'm booking a cheap crossing. You get better food on NL and the ship tends to unload a whole lot quicker than the poky catamaran.
In summer when I'm going to the Nurburgring, NorfolkLines' Dunkerque entry is half an hour nearer than SpeedFerries' Boulogne base. In the winter it's a gamble booking with 'em because the cat often gets cancelled in heavy weather that a big ro-ro will just plough straight though.
And if it doesn't get cancelled it's seriously In summer when I'm going to the Nurburgring, NorfolkLines' Dunkerque entry is half an hour nearer than SpeedFerries' Boulogne base. In the winter it's a gamble booking with 'em because the cat often gets cancelled in heavy weather that a big ro-ro will just plough straight though.
Puggit said:
bad_roo said:
They're OK but I'd rather use Norfolk Lines if I'm booking a cheap crossing. You get better food on NL and the ship tends to unload a whole lot quicker than the poky catamaran.
In summer when I'm going to the Nurburgring, NorfolkLines' Dunkerque entry is half an hour nearer than SpeedFerries' Boulogne base. In the winter it's a gamble booking with 'em because the cat often gets cancelled in heavy weather that a big ro-ro will just plough straight though.
And if it doesn't get cancelled it's seriously In summer when I'm going to the Nurburgring, NorfolkLines' Dunkerque entry is half an hour nearer than SpeedFerries' Boulogne base. In the winter it's a gamble booking with 'em because the cat often gets cancelled in heavy weather that a big ro-ro will just plough straight though.
Wings said:
Miss Pitstop said:
F**k it, bu$$er and boll0c&s - my OH is due to come back from 2 and a half weeks in Belgium tomorrow on speed ferries.
I've just phoned him to see what he can do. I'm not a happy bunny
Is he driving or walking on ferry?I've just phoned him to see what he can do. I'm not a happy bunny
Miss Pitstop said:
Wings said:
Miss Pitstop said:
F**k it, bu$$er and boll0c&s - my OH is due to come back from 2 and a half weeks in Belgium tomorrow on speed ferries.
I've just phoned him to see what he can do. I'm not a happy bunny
Is he driving or walking on ferry?I've just phoned him to see what he can do. I'm not a happy bunny
Cheers Wings - Mr Pitstop loves a bargain so no doubt he shopped around but he usually uses Eurotunnel. Bizarrely, when he tried to book a few weeks ago he couldn't get a place on it, but I've just tried and for a handsome fee, can get the Eurotunnel back 
I'll point him in the direction of this thread - he's out having some cheeky beers at the moment in Liege but when he gets home he'll get on the case.
Hopefully I'll see him soon
I'll point him in the direction of this thread - he's out having some cheeky beers at the moment in Liege but when he gets home he'll get on the case.
Hopefully I'll see him soon
Wings said:
He might find that booking a cheap 2 way, day return ticket, might be cheaper than booking a one way ticket,particularly if the booking is made online. I have found Sea France to be cheaper and quicker loading than P&O, and not surprisingly, booking from the french side of the water, is much cheaper than booking from the UK.
Read the T&C on both Seafrance and P&O.If you do not use both tickets they charge the extra for a one way ticket to your CC. Agreeing to their T&C gives them permission for them to do so.....................and yes they do actually check nowadays.
I really hope they have not gone down the pan, they really shook up the established ferry price fixing when they came on the scene. The last couple of times I have been on there they had hardly any stock in the shop or storage area, not a good sign.
It says something on their site about a new French ferry service starting up on the same route, now that is brave in this current climate if it's true.
Can't say I am too surprised about them not contacting their customers though, their customer service has always been a bit wanting.
It says something on their site about a new French ferry service starting up on the same route, now that is brave in this current climate if it's true.
Can't say I am too surprised about them not contacting their customers though, their customer service has always been a bit wanting.
As there is only one loading ramp at Boulogne I guess Speedferries have to stop before anyone else can take over the route.
I've used them a few times, but last time back after Classic Le Mans the boat had one engine down, so was running slower and not planing over the waves. Was told on check-in that it was an hour late, finally sailed 2 hours late, and crossing was very slow too. Not much to do in their port facilities for nearly 3 hours on a hot day in a caterham
That said their pricing is nice, but I bet if they go under I lose the rest of my block booking.
I've used them a few times, but last time back after Classic Le Mans the boat had one engine down, so was running slower and not planing over the waves. Was told on check-in that it was an hour late, finally sailed 2 hours late, and crossing was very slow too. Not much to do in their port facilities for nearly 3 hours on a hot day in a caterham
That said their pricing is nice, but I bet if they go under I lose the rest of my block booking.
euroboy said:
To say I was a bit pissed off is an understatement, I had to pay 250EUR to take a ride on LeTunnel - profiteering at its best!
why does everyone head straight for the train when they have a problem with their ferry company?seafrance and p&o are only around £100 for a single, and probably a bit less.
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