[LD Lines closes Dover-Boulogne passenger service.]

Prices out of Dover are going to rise, they need to so that the ferries can survive.  There is currently massive overcapacity and the artificially low prices that currently exist are slowly going to disappear as the number of departures is slowly reduced, currently P&O are looking at reducing the size of their fleet once the two new ships enter service from Finland.  What will happen to Seafrance is anyones guess at the moment.

[LD Lines]

Sadly the next couple of months are going to be

hard for the ferry industry with the potential of job losses, withdrawn

ships and price increases.

LD Lines have announced that they are looking at their Dover route

and the two ships have been placed back on the market. The two ships

they have were only taken on a very short term contract which I believe

is due to expire at the end of October, which coincides with the last

bookings possible on LD Lines website when I checked a few days back.

Reports are that the Le Havre route is also suffering.

P&O Ferries have announced an internal review. They estimate

about 50% overcapacity on the Dover routes at the moment with all

operators. Currently their European Seaway (freighter) is laid up and

only being used when the passenger ships cannot handle the loads. The

crews are awaiting the outcome of the review in the Autumn that could

see further reductions in the fleet. It is widely thought that more

than just the old Pride of Dover and Pride of Calais will be withdrawn

when replaced by the two new ships being built in Finland.

[More changes at LD Lines]

LD Lines are moving the Norman Spirit to

Ramsgate and operating the ship to Ostend twice per day. This is in

conjunction with TEF. TEF will apparently sell the freight space with

LD Lines selling the passenger space etc.

The ship is no stranger to Ramsgate having operated there as the

Prins Filip on the Ramsgate to Ostend route, however not without

incident. The ship regularly had issues in the port due to its size.

The ex. Brave Merchant that is coming in to replace the Norman

Spirit originally ran on the Irish Sea. The ship is no where near as

big passenger wise and the estimate of 400 is on the high side and I

would not want to be onboard.

The ship is identical to P&O's European Endeavour (interior pictures can be found here). The ship essentially has one lounge / bar area, one restaurant and one reclining seat lounge.

[question for Will and FerryGuru]

The latest I have heard reference Seafrance.

"STRUGGLING Dover Strait ferry operator SeaFrance is set to modify its plan for stemming loss-making at the company, raising expectations that it will substantially reduce its original target of 650 job cuts.

The company will announce its plans at a works committee meeting on May 28 but has already indicated that it plans to keep four vessels in service instead of three, as announced in its original recovery plan.

It has given no indication of the number of job cuts it will be making but has promised that there will be no straight dismissals among its 1,600-strong workforce.

The majority CFDT union at the company said: "The plan which provided for 650 redundancies has been abandoned."

The union estimated recently that the number of job losses could be limited to 150 if the company kept in service four vessels out of five and retained the fifth vessel in reserve for peak periods and replacement of the other vessels when they were out of service.

The company has not gone as far as the union, however. It plans to keep three car ferries - the Rodin, Berlioz and Molière - in service and to put the freighter Nord-Pas de Calais in service on a "lightened" schedule.

In the meantime, the company's financial situation has not eased. Management said that the company had lost more than ?3m ($4.1m) in April and ?13.5m since the start of the year.

SeaFrance is not counting on a takeover to extricate itself from its difficulties, moreover. Deputy general manager Vincent Launay told a French newspaper that the offer presented by Brittany Ferries was being dealt with on a long-term basis by SeaFrance's owner, French national rail operator SNCF.

"It is a long-term project, independent of the recovery plan which is very urgent," he said."

[Ports blockade]

Listening to BBC News at lunchtime, the ferry companies are reporting that the strikes are costing them close to £1million per day and are currently putting together legal action to sue the individual fishermen rather than the Port of Calais/Dunkerque.  If I remember rightly when the fishermen blocked Le Havre and LD Lines did this they very soon backed down.

[P&O Ferries Offer (36hr Fare)]

www.poferriesenthusiasts.co.uk is a website that I run by myself that focuses on P&O Ferries, the ships, history etc.  It is one of several websites that I run under the heading of the Ferry Enthusiast Network.  www.ferryenthusiasts.co.uk.

[P&O Ferries Offer (36hr Fare)]

[quote user="cassis"]Oddly, ferryguru's link

http://www.poferriesenthusiasts.co.uk/36houroffer.html

does not seem to open on the page indicated when you hover on the link - some sort of redirect?

It takes you here:

http://www.poferries.com/tourist/content/pages/template/offers_ferry_offers_special_overnight_fare.htm

which is the direct link that Clair posted.

[/quote]

Nothing, odd.  And not detrimental to anyone.

It allows me to track how many visitors have gone through, either one is fine to use.  I was not permitted by the agreement I have with P&O to post the final link.

[P&O Ferries Offer (36hr Fare)]

I have received the following email today regarding a special offer P&O Ferries have currently available.

'P&O

Ferries have launched a special 36 hour fare on the Dover-Calais route.

Customers can book the offer up to 30th March for travel between from

now until 20th May excluding peak dates around Easter. The offer is £29

return for a car and up to 9 passengers for travel on Sundays to

Thursdays with a £10 supplement for travel on Fridays and Saturdays.

This is a great price for people looking to stay longer than just a day

trip and for them to enjoy an overnight stay in France or Belgium. This

offer isn't publicly available. Therefore you will need to use the

specific link below in order to quote or book this offer.'

P&O Ferries 36hr Offer

Hope this helps

Post edited by the moderators.

[Dover to Boulogne to re-open Feb 2009]

Not as yet, they have until the middle of february to come up with another rescue plan and put it forward to SNCF.  SNCF rejected the first plan.

[Speedferries Refund]

I would say either Norfolkline or P&O as they are the more financially sound at the moment.  Seafrance is still in talks with SNCF regarding a rescue plan, the first being denied by SNCF

[Dover to Boulogne to re-open Feb 2009]

LD Lines have received approval from Seine Maritime to use the ship mv

Cote d'Albatre on the Dover to Boulogne route along with the Dover to

Dieppe route full time from Feb 2009. The vessel will be chartered by

LD Lines from Transmanche Ferries.

The Boulogne service was due to open in July when the new larger berths

are built, but following sucessful berthing trials over three days the

mv Cote d'Albatre was found to fit the old Speedferries berth well

enough for a service to be operated.

It would appear that Newhaven to Dieppe is being reduced down to just a ship service.

It is planned to have the following - 2 round trips Dover to Boulogne and 1 Dover to Dieppe per 24 hours

[Crossing the channel.]

LD Lines

Yes the Norman Voyager was designed as a freight vessel rather than a full passenger vessel so yes I would avoid.  LD Lines operate the Norman Spirit which is an old Dover to Calais vessel so that should be a problem for you.  Foot Passenger wise they would bus you onto the car deck and then you can take a lift to each deck.  Car wise, the same.  The Norman Spirit operates the overnight sailing from Portsmouth each day and the afternoon sailing from Le Havre.

Transmanche Ferries

I have not really taken much notice on these ships, they do have passenger lifts from the car deck to the two passenger decks.  Foot passenger access is not good but car passengers should be ok.  Rumour has it that one of these ships will be opening the Dover to Boulogne route potentially as early as February.  There has been no full confirmation as to which ship will operate the route full time.

Seafrance / P&O / Norfolkline

These are pretty much ok for disabled.  Sometimes the lifts on the older ships come up in crew areas from the Car Deck but as you are escorted by a crew member you are fine.  Foot passenger wise you are best off with P&O as they have the more modern berths and therefore foot passenger gangways with lifts.

Things you pretty much must do:

• Let the company know you are disabled and required special assistance.  You will be parked in a seperate lane on the quayside (normally with your hazards on) and then loaded first onto the ship thus allowing you the room to park near lifts and get out of the vehicle.  Added to this is the crew will also be on hand to help you.
• Turn up in plenty of time for your sailing.

[Sea France Season Ticket - Too Good to be true?]

Seafrance are currently in a position whereby they need money also.

There are currently discussions in France that Seafrance are having financial issues.  Suprising as they have spent 125million euros on their new ship but this could have contributed.

[B.F.Barfleur off for 8 weeks.]

No, the ferry at St. Nazaire is the Pont l'Abbe.  Used to operate the Plymouth to Roscoff route and has now been withdrawn from service, BF have a new ship due for delivery early next year for this route.

[B.F.Barfleur off for 8 weeks.]

The Barfleur is having some work done inside, I think they are amending the restaurant setup.  Also the Barfleur is being used this year to cover on the Caen route whilst the regular ships are in refit.

[Speedferries Problems]

Heres an interesting Press Release from France.  I think given what is said here I am really doubtful as to Speedferries ever starting a service again or even anyone coming in to rescue Speedferries from the condition they are in.  One thing it does say to me is that LD Lines may well now look at adding a second conventional ship when they start their service.

" Pierre Gehanne has stated in the French press that he believes SpeedFerries simply wasn't economically viable. He has also stated that it is rather hard to hear of Curt Stavis' claims of LD Line receiving

more favourable treatment from the Boulogne port authorities when firstly they aren't and secondly their service hasn't even begun yet.

He also reveals that Curt Stavis asked LD to rescue the company in July and that LD could have had a controlling interest (I understand 51% share) in the company for 1 million Euro (no doubt taking on their

liabilities too). It seems the company was already dying and LD offered to go into partnership amalgamating the Speedferries operation with the planned LD Line route. The catamaran would have been withdrawn and a second conventional ferry provided. Three days later Curt said yes but only if they kept the catamaran.

This meant no deal as LD Line do not believe in catamarans stating they use too much fuel and believe that the route is only viable with mixed freight and passengers.

Pierre Gehanne cites the high oil prices of recent times as killing SpeedFerries, stating that such a small firm does not have the resources to deal such events.

Interestingly the French subsidiary (employing 14) is not yet in administration but is expected to follow.

Source La Voix Du Nord"

[Speedferries Problems]

I think it is all over for Speedferries now: (from www.speedferries.com)

Notice to all Customers: Speedferries Limited (in Administration)

The affairs, business and property of the Company are being managed by

the Joint Administrators, A Swarbrick and T Burton, who act as agents

of the Company only and without personal liability.

What has happened?

On 12 November 2008, on the application of the Directors, the High

Court of Justice, Chancery Division, made an an Administration Order in

relation to Speedferries Limited. Angela Swarbrick and Tom Burton of

Ernst & Young LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators of

Speedferries Limited.

The Administration is necessary because of Speedferries financial

position and to ensure the best interests of creditors and customers

are served. The Administrators are currently exploring the option of

selling the business as a going concern.

Customers

Crossings have been cancelled for 14, 15 and 16 November 2008 and

customers are asked to wait for further information on future crossings

and to keep any pre-booked tickets.

We will continue to keep you updated with developments in respect

of the long term plans for Speedferries and notify you as soon as

possible via the Company website if changes are proposed to be made

which will affect your current position.

Suppliers

The directors are still the directors of Speedferries Limited.

However, whilst the company is in Administration, we, the

Administrators, are ultimately responsible for Speedferries Limited.

The directors and existing management structure will remain in place

and the directors and their existing management team will be involved

in the day-to-day operations.

We will be working closely with management and whilst we explore

the option of selling the business we do not envisage any major changes

to procedures on a day-to-day basis. Our objective is to sell the

business as a going concern and to achieve this we will require your

support during this process.

Press Enquiries

Any press enquires should be directed to Vicky Conybeer, Ernst and Young LLP media relations on 020 7951 0868.

Interested Parties

Interested Parties should contact Stuart Kelly on [email protected]

Finally, we would like to re-iterate that our key objective is to

explore the option of selling the business as a going concern and would

ask for all of your support during the Administration of Speedferries

Limited, whilst a buyer or buyers are sought for the business. We shall

keep you as fully informed of the situation as we are able as matters

progress.

Angela Swarbrick and Tom Burton

Joint Administrators

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

authorises A Swarbrick to act as an Insolvency Practitioner under

section 390(2)(a) of the Insolvency Act 1986 and The Institute of

Chartered Accountants of Scotland authorises T Burton to act as an

Insolvency Practitioner under section 390(2)(a) of the Insolvency Act

1986.

The affairs, business and property of the Company are being managed

by the Joint Administrators, A Swarbrick and T Burton, who act as

agents of the Company only and without personal liability.

[Speedferries Problems]

Thanks Will

JR, please let me assure you that I am not employed by any of the operators at Dover.  Yes I will admit I have contacts within P&O and Norfolkline but that is only down to the website that I run. The Ferry Enthusiast Network

On an aside to Speedferries, I note from their website this morning that Norfolkline's online booking is now back working

and they have an offer of 9 return trips for £21 each way (does say

excludes peak time supplement) for 2009.

It is mentioned on the banner that rotates.

Click here

[Speedferries Problems]

I find the statement by Speedferries management that they were unable to attend the meeting is very amusing.  There must be over 50 departures each day by P&O, Seafrance & Eurotunnel to France.  Why could they have simply not booked onto one of these and driven or is that another statement as to the state of the company.  For example; we did not attend as we cannot actually pay.....

[Speedferries Problems]

Just to provide some clarity.

LD Lines are opening a route between Dover & Boulogne next June.  The ship currently ear-marked is the Norman Spirit from Portsmouth.  Crossing Time would be 1hr 45mins with four departures from each port per day.  LD Lines are a budget operator in my mind, similar to that of Norfolkline in the early days.

Alot has changed in the ferry industry since Speedferries arrived on the scene, not of it good for anyone.  All ferry companies have seen large increases in fuel cost, they are now required to use Low Sulpher fuels and a few weeks ago this was running at in excess of $600 per metric tonne.  (For reference Norfolkline use nearly 100 tonnes per day in each of their ships, this was nearer 150 tonnes under their old schedule - amended from 1hr 45 to 2hrs).  Not sure how many people have read about the changes to the way ports are taxed, and this would have hit Speedferries also, but it used to be the port paid tax and then the port charged the company concerned.  Now the Government have got involved and prices of been hiked considerably.  IIRC P&O have been landed with a £7.2million bill this year (£5million of that is backdated) and this is ontop of their extra £40 million fuel bill this year.

I think Speedferries whilst all well and good failed to adapt to the changes in the ferry market, in fact from what I have read they have never made a profit since beginning to operate.

Yes I believe ferry prices may rise, but they will not rise much as there is still plenty of competition out of Dover and consumers have little money.  Norfolkline who are currently offering £19 each way, earlier in the year it was £24. 

If for a moment I could ask you to look at it this way, if a company was to charge such low prices so that you are happy but this led to them being unable to fund new ships (P&O's latest are £148 million each) and that they were only able perform essential maintenance.  Would you be happy?  I suspect the answer is No in the long term. 

Just working the maths, the life expectancy of a ferry is 30 years. 

£148 million divided by 30 years would be: £4,933,333 each year to be recovered, add to this the fuel each year needed for an average of 16 hours at sea each day would bring the total to £18,912,833 at todays prices.  I think it is safe to say that is one large amount of money to be found (£51,816 per day!!) and that is before you take into account all the crew, port charges, port fees for you to use the ship and ongoing maintance, so that will put this up a considerable amount. 

Speedferries did not have bills of this size, their crew was a fraction the size you need for a conventional ferry, the port charges would have been less as it is done on tonnage and size, the cost of repairs would have been cheaper and fuel will have been also due to the different kind of fuel used.  The only things similar would have been port fees.

Having just had a look at P&O, they offer season tickets. Purchase 9 return tickets, any duration from £27 each way.  Seafrance are offering 6 crossings (3 returns) from £32 each way, 10 crossings (5 returns) from £30 each way, 14 crossings (7 returns) from £28 each way, 18 crossings (9 returns) from £26 each way.  LD Lines also offer a frequent traveller scheme on their Portsmouth route, not sure what the figures will be for the Dover route if it will apply.  All of these are available via their website.

Speedferries are only the latest and by no means I think will be the last in the line of companies to either cease or drastically cut their services.  In the last six months we have seen the end of Krystlink in Norway, DFDS to Norway from Newcastle & Superfast from Roysth to Zeebrugge. 

[P&O ferry crash at Calais, 1330, 29/08/08]

Unsure if the berth is out of action still, as the ships appear to be running pretty much to time.  However the ship completely destroyed the "cow-catcher" this is the framework at the front of the ship that holds the weight of the ramp during loading.  The ship itself was unharmed bar a new coat of paint in a couple of places, the ship is now in Dunkerque having a new "cow-catcher" fitted before it can return to operation.

Not a good year for P&O with the passenger ship (Pride of Canterbury) laid up at Dunkerque whilst they await a new propellor blade and shaft be manufactured after it was damaged during the winter months in a storm off Deal.

--

Not sure if it was mentioned on here or not but the Pride of Dover and Pride of Calais, the old Townsend Thoreson ships have had withdrawl dates annouched.  They will be withdrawn from service in 2010/2011 respectively when they are replaced with brand new ships being contructed in Finland.  These new ships will be the largest in Dover, beating Seafrances 'Seafrance Moleire'.

--

As "Will" mentions this happens more often than is reported in the press.  I can think of at least half a dozen incidents in the last 2 years for ships operating out of the UK that either did not make the press or were very quiet in the press.  And the ship 'Will' mentions was well known at Dover and suffered on more than one occasion but since her new career has managed without incident.

[LD Lines sleeper seats]

Here are a few pictures I took about 14 Months ago just after they were installed.  The seats are comfortable and you can actually have a reasonable sleep on them.  Being someone who cannot sleep on normal recliner seats on ferries I was pleasently suprised.  Also they are wider than normal and therefore allow more room, additionally you cannot kick the person in front as the partition is not attached to the seat.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 4

[P&O Ferries 4 Day Sale]

P&O Ferries are having a four day sale.

100,000 tickets available

Dover to Calais

£25 each way

Inclusive of taxes

Sale Ends 28/01/07

P&O Ferries Webpage

[Frequent travel...........]

[quote user="Ford Anglia"]I've been looking at this year's offers with P&O Dover>Calais, Seafrance Dover>Calais, and Eurotunnel.

Each seems to have it's benefits, and each it's drawbacks.

Leaving price out of the equation for the time being, what are your thoughts on who to avoid and who is worth looking at, of the three listed?

I'd REALLY like to be able to afford Hull-Zeebrugge, but with cabins, the prices are still very high, and the one sailing a day puts me off.........if we have problems on the return, what happens?

TIA, FA

[/quote]

SeaFrance will be withdrawing two of their ships this summer the Renoir and the Manet as they are being replaced with a single more modern ship.  SeaFrance have just purchased a ferry built in 2002 and will be refurbishing the ship prior to its entry into service.  This will mean that the Cezanne, the other old ship that they operate will be converted to freight only, leaving the three new ships as the passenger fleet.

P&O are pretty much staying the same for the year and would be my personal preference.  They are going to be placing an order for some new ships to be delivered in a few years time.

With regards to the Zeebrugge route there are two options should the return sailing not take place.  Option 1 is be transferred down the coast to Calais and travel back via Dover with compensation or Option 2 is be transferred up to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and return to Hull.  The sailing from Rotterdam is always later than the Zeebrugge due to a higher speed on the ships, although not sure how long it takes to drive, but I believe the ship does get held if a number of people take this option.  One point to mention, the Hull routes don't tend to have many cancellations due to their working patterns.  As you mention there is only one sailing a day which means maintenance is done during the day and the ships are not being thrashed like the ones at Dover.  I believe last year there were more cancellations in Dover than at Hull.

[LD Lines ships...]

If you take a look at my site www.ldlines.ferryenthusiasts.co.uk/fleet/normanspirit/photographs.html you can see the interior of the ship when it came out of refit last December.