Hoverspeed withdeaw cross-channel ferries
Discussion
Following on from P+O's fairly recent decision and the Tunnels well documented problems. There's obviously a massive demand for crossings, so what's the problem?
Having used SpeedFerries this year I suspect ripoff fares!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/ke
Having used SpeedFerries this year I suspect ripoff fares!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/ke
bbc said:
Many jobs lost as ferries stop
Cross-Channel ferry operator Hoverspeed is to end its service from Dover to Calais, resulting in the loss of "many" jobs, it confirmed on Friday.
The company, which is owned by Sea Containers, said it could no longer sustain losses on the English Channel.
Despite crossings increasing by 17% this year, it said there remained surplus capacity on the route.
Hoverspeed runs two Seacat fast ferries between Dover and Calais, employing 102 staff in Kent and about 60 in Europe.
Its last scheduled sailing is the 1730 GMT crossing from Dover, returning from Calais at 2015 on Monday 7 November.
The company said a "dramatic" increase in the price of fuel - up 54% from last year - was also a factor in its decision.
"This, coupled with a diminishing market and less retail opportunities, have been the principal causes of our financial problems," said a spokesman.
"The regrettable decision to cease operations has not been taken lightly and it is a sad moment," said the spokesman.
Discussions were held with staff on both sides of the Channel during a 30-day consultation period which ended on Monday.
The company paid tribute to employees for their hard work, flexible working practices and effort over the years.
"We shall be looking at various options as to how we may assist those employees who may now face redundancy," the spokesman said.
'Extreme disappointment'
Shipping union Numast said 75 jobs would be lost in Kent, with about two dozen staff being kept on to maintain the Seacat vessels until a decision was made about their redeployment.
Spokesman Andrew Linnington said the closure was not unexpected.
"But that doesn't in any way mitigate the extreme disappointment we feel that it has come to this.
"There has been a complete disregard for the employees throughout all this."
He said it was "absolutely appalling" that the redundancies would take place just before Christmas.
Passengers with bookings after Monday are being contacted and offered alternative crossings with other operators.
2 Smokin Barrels said:From the press on 21st Oct, 2005:
and the Tunnels well documented problems.
Forgive my ignorance, but what are these?
Eurotunnel announced last night that it is shedding 900 jobs - almost one-third of its workforce - between now and June, to try to cut costs and stave off bankruptcy. All the redundancies will be voluntary and Eurotunnel said they would not compromise safety or quality of service in any way.
puggit said:
and the Tunnels well documented problems.
Forgive my ignorance, but what are these?
Eurotunnel announced last night that it is shedding 900 jobs - almost one-third of its workforce - between now and June, to try to cut costs and stave off bankruptcy. All the redundancies will be voluntary and Eurotunnel said they would not compromise safety or quality of service in any way.
Ta!
If 900 jobs won't compromise safety or service, what the feck are they doing now!
Last time I went Hoverspeed, I got a lot better deal than either the ferry, or the tunnel. To me it was the perfect service. I got break from driving for the crossing and it was twice as fast as the ferry. Also helped it looked cool and was the quickest thing in the Channel.
Speed Ferries , Dover - Frog Land it is then .
Speed Ferries , Dover - Frog Land it is then .
I've used Speedfeeries a couple of times and will use them again.
Last time i arrived in Boulogne a lot earlier than expected, walked into the office and was on the next available sailing for a minimal extra charge.
I wonder if they'll be looking to pick up one of those disused Seacats? Last time i sailed with them there was talk of a second boat on that route.
Last time i arrived in Boulogne a lot earlier than expected, walked into the office and was on the next available sailing for a minimal extra charge.
I wonder if they'll be looking to pick up one of those disused Seacats? Last time i sailed with them there was talk of a second boat on that route.
i loved travelling with Hoverspeed in my youth...
nowt like travelling cross channel by hovercraft... sat on the apron with the huge skirt billowing up around you then the sudden lift when the pressure is right.
Was a sad day for me when they where decommisioned - each year another retired 'craft joined the rotting, rusting hulls in Dover.
nowt like travelling cross channel by hovercraft... sat on the apron with the huge skirt billowing up around you then the sudden lift when the pressure is right.
Was a sad day for me when they where decommisioned - each year another retired 'craft joined the rotting, rusting hulls in Dover.
2 Smokin Barrels said:
and the Tunnels well documented problems.
Forgive my ignorance, but what are these?
Eurotunnel announced last night that it is shedding 900 jobs - almost one-third of its workforce - between now and June, to try to cut costs and stave off bankruptcy. All the redundancies will be voluntary and Eurotunnel said they would not compromise safety or quality of service in any way.
Ta!
If 900 jobs won't compromise safety or service, what the feck are they doing now!
It's the 900 members of staff employed to ensure no one sneaks into the country via the tunnel,.......well it's just the 1 person who does that job the other 899 fill out application forms.
Eurotunnel's problems are not to do with lack of customers. They can hardly meet the interest charges on their loan repayments, let alone the capital repayments.
Essentially, they borrowed WAY to much to build the tunnel in the first place.
Even if they were carrying twice as many passsengers as they are now, which would probably be imposible anyway, they would not make money.
Eurotunnel will eventually be nationalised under joint ownership of the British and French governments (like the Suez Canal). If not, Eurotunnel will go bust and the tunnel will close.
Essentially, they borrowed WAY to much to build the tunnel in the first place.
Even if they were carrying twice as many passsengers as they are now, which would probably be imposible anyway, they would not make money.
Eurotunnel will eventually be nationalised under joint ownership of the British and French governments (like the Suez Canal). If not, Eurotunnel will go bust and the tunnel will close.
I've never used the tunnel, its always been way too expensive. The last cross channel trip I made, Speed ferries were 50 quid, the tunnel was more than 150, I think. How can you operate like that?
I think the tunnel is cheaper now, but haven't got round to checking their fares. Too be honest, speedferries were so painless I can't see the point in changing.
I think the tunnel is cheaper now, but haven't got round to checking their fares. Too be honest, speedferries were so painless I can't see the point in changing.
Eric Mc said:
Eurotunnel's problems are not to do with lack of customers. They can hardly meet the interest charges on their loan repayments, let alone the capital repayments.
Essentially, they borrowed WAY to much to build the tunnel in the first place.
Even if they were carrying twice as many passsengers as they are now, which would probably be imposible anyway, they would not make money.
Eurotunnel will eventually be nationalised under joint ownership of the British and French governments (like the Suez Canal). If not, Eurotunnel will go bust and the tunnel will close.
I was staggered by how much their interest paymenmts are (can't remember what they are though)
IIRC the original company went bust, before Eurotunnel took over?
It would be a pity to see it go down, although with the ever increasing terrorist threat, it seems likely.
If you want to get to Paris for the weekend, the tunnel is the way to do it. The high speed rail link from London is a godsend IMO.
1p for the flight the rest in tax 
Ah crap, I was taking Hoverspeed back from France in December, this has put me out! Had my first (and last it seems) trip on the seacat in September when I drove my car from the UK to our home in the South of France and it was a very pleasant experience, fun too. Sad to see it retired.
Have checked fares for the tunnel and at the cheapest on the dates we want our single trip (car is staying back in the UK and we're buying a LHD car here) is around €80. Just checked speedferries and its around €35. Job done chaps, thanks for the tip!
Have checked fares for the tunnel and at the cheapest on the dates we want our single trip (car is staying back in the UK and we're buying a LHD car here) is around €80. Just checked speedferries and its around €35. Job done chaps, thanks for the tip!
The trick with the tunnel is to buy two one day returns using different credit cards. It makes it cheap, and for comfort it can't be beaten. The kids can keep sleeping (I always do night crossings to reduce the "child stress"
, you're guaranteed a comfortable seat (i.e. in your car), no wading through hordes of shell-suited plebs in a sticky-carpeted vessel smelling of chips.
Above all it's a fast way across the Channel and there is no weather risk - even the Channel can be a violent bit of water once the wind picks up. Using the tunnel I've done south of London to south of Paris in 4 1/2 hours, though that was back in the days when I felt at ease cruising on the french motorways at 120 mph.
, you're guaranteed a comfortable seat (i.e. in your car), no wading through hordes of shell-suited plebs in a sticky-carpeted vessel smelling of chips. Above all it's a fast way across the Channel and there is no weather risk - even the Channel can be a violent bit of water once the wind picks up. Using the tunnel I've done south of London to south of Paris in 4 1/2 hours, though that was back in the days when I felt at ease cruising on the french motorways at 120 mph.
bmgm3 said:
Last time I went Hoverspeed, I got a lot better deal than either the ferry, or the tunnel. To me it was the perfect service. I got break from driving for the crossing and it was twice as fast as the ferry. Also helped it looked cool and was the quickest thing in the Channel.
Speed Ferries , Dover - Frog Land it is then .
Dead right much better service than the traditional ferrys ,well it was
Used to pay Euro 79
nel said:Don't they use ANPR to try and prevent this?
The trick with the tunnel is to buy two one day returns using different credit cards. It makes it cheap, and for comfort it can't be beaten. The kids can keep sleeping (I always do night crossings to reduce the "child stress"
Above all it's a fast way across the Channel and there is no weather risk - even the Channel can be a violent bit of water once the wind picks up. Using the tunnel I've done south of London to south of Paris in 4 1/2 hours, though that was back in the days when I felt at ease cruising on the french motorways at 120 mph.
Granted it's a good idea, I just thought they'd closed this loophole?
wedg1e said:
Whatever happened to the SRN4? It must be years since hovers carried cars....?
Some information can be found on the forum at www.fastferryinfo.com. One or two of the craft are at the Hovercraft Museum www.hovercraft-museum.org and there is information on the vessels at www.hoverline.se/english/pioneer-classic.html and if you fancy having one in your garage(!) go to www.vessels4sale.com/high_speed/fr_high_speed.htm
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