That sounds wonderful. Now why can’t we get that sort of ferry service here from Long Island Sound to Ramsgate, for example. Hardly fair. *G*

Good news. Now the local bodies must act to stop passengers going across the Wantsum. Sad to see mentions already of off isle attractions when there is so much on offer locally.

Get that Westcliff lift open, multi langauge signs put up leading people to the Loop bus service & where & how long it takes to get around the isle. Plus of course nice flyers on board the ship selling Thanets three towns & Westwood Cross. Those wishing to visit religious buildings will find there own way.

TDC must LEAD on studies on how to get visitors stopping locally, enjoying their day and wanting to come back. Those day trips to Dunkirk & Ostend were good on grounds of pleasent surroundings,right length of time, great food, price,the towns, different shops… The French should be allowed to enjoy reciprical visits, our standards & planning must be looked at in depth NOW so from day one the word of mouth back across the channel is positive.

Hoverlloyd & Sally Line got this right, Transeuropa are steadily progressing but are hampered by the current journey time for day visits; best wishes to Euroferries.

Hardly likely to happen, same company that “threatened” to open a crossing from Dover in 2006 and that failed as well. With Speedferries failing I don’t think this will get off the ground.

Pie in the sky! Anybody who understands the cross channel business will know why this will never happen, especially in the current ecomomic climate. Wasn’t Euroferries one and only craft laid up in Nova Soctia in 2006 but was meant to be coming to Dover …. that never happened!

it sounds like ‘rhubarb’ to me. im ginger and i know these things. i work at port ramsgate its full of gays like myself. as long as euroferries like gayness they will be fine and we can all get on and be gay together…. keep it ginger…

Mmmmm. Where on earth do you find a 98m fastcraft for sale? ASDA? Tesco? Precisely. If this fast craft arrives at Ramsgate in February – with an intention of starting a service, I shall come down and show my bare bottom.

Well I’m told they do have a boat but it’s currently undergoing major repairs as it had a bit of a crunch. If this service happens it’ll be a Brucie bonus, as I don’t think TDC have spent, or have to spend, any money on it. Only time will tell.

Who was the previous operator of the vessel?

Well, this made the local radio yesterday (12 Jan) but what is worrying is that eurofarries own website (http://www.euroferries.co.uk) is nothing more then a basic flash intro and a press announcement, no pricing structure, even for the coach service which could/would make money as National Express is taking their last service of the day off line on the 2nd of March so people will not even be able to come down to Thanet for a day trip by coach let alone a trip to france!

In the present economic climate, I just cannot see banks etc putting up capital for a venture such as this. Speedferries, together with HD Ferries, were a prime example of what happens to business’ running fast craft ! If they do get finance from financial institutions, then that just goes to prove what a load of wallies the (so called) bankers are !

Anyone considering a venture such as this would be well advised to take heed of the comments by Pierre Gehanne (CEO of LDA – owners of LD) when he says that it is not possible for Fastcraft to pay because a) they are too expensive to run and b) because they cannot carry freight, which is the backbone of any ferry operation.

I worked for Speedferries, as a company it was doing very well, always carrying in the region of 50 to 100 cars and in the summer always full loads (180+ cars) but unfortunately, it was very badly managed, good luck to Euroferries, there is a market for this as long as they are not squeezed out by LD Lines and the Boulogne chamber of commerce !!!

wouldn’t take too much notice of what Pierre Gehanne thinks anybody who thinks they can run a frieght ferry service to boulogne based on one vessel when the market is falling dramatically and competete with calais hasn’t got much idea of operating in this area

Boulogne can sustain a freight link to the UK as it imports a significant amount of seafood for processing in the Capecure area of the Port, it also exports around 20,000 lorry loads per annum of Danone mineral water that is warehoused in the port of Boulogne to it’s depot in Coventry.
Other major exporters include Ecover on the Landacres business park in Boulogne who cited the proximity of the port as part of their case for locating to Boulogne.

This is a company trying to be set up by the EX MANAGING DIRECTOR of Hoverspeed.He tried to get another fast ferry service off the ground at the same time as Speedferries. I think you will see the start date come and go without any service being started. Lets face it if he couldn’t make a success of Hoverspeed with Sea Containers resources, then who in hells name is going to entrust millions of pounds in a time of recession to a failure. A massive pipe dream.

Just completed a bit of research 98 metre cats. They will not accommadate coachs. So it would appear whoever wrote the artical, knows not of the subject he is writing about. This would once again reflect that the person is in fact Ede the dreamer.If youcould get a coach on one, how comes when Hoverspeed were running the super seacats, why did they not take coaches. Answer they will not fit in. This man beleives he’s Gods gift to the fast ferry services. This a service that will never run.

Brittany Ferries has a 98mtr Incat which can take full articulated lorries and coaches so I don’t know where you found that out from. But I agree with you it’s a pipedream, especially as there is no booking engine!!!!

Quite shocking (again)…Mr Ladyman has even announced it like this service will take place 100%! Wish people and papers would not mention ideas if there is NO guarantee at all this will happen. And dissapoint the people of Thanet once again. The more comments I read and the more I cast my eye over the Harbour I must say; don’t see many signs of an impending fast ferry service??? Do you??? I have also been told that the speed it wants to run/sail is not possible in the channel due to different speeds in the shipping channels (maybe someone can explain?). The website is soooo basic and looks like it’s set up by some amateurs… (oh by the way; if you do send them an email you won’t get a reply….think the light is on but no one is home!) hence it does not give you lots of confidence about this so called ‘new ferry service’. Think we need to stick to TEF, who does a great job indeed; shame about the sailing time!. Also, maybe it’s time for a change of MP (Laura give it a go!!) and TDC members.

The man who is supposed to be heading this pipe dream had already agreed to buy a cat just over a year ago. But when it came to the funding he could not come up with the money. He kept stringing the sellers of the cat, one load of b#####t after another. In the end after they had tried to move the craft through dangerous ice flows, where it got iced in they told him to go forth and mutiplty. I’m afraid that this man tells everybody how it’s going to happen but it never does. Yes a 98 metre incat will take larger vehicles. the problem being this guys cat was not a 98 metre, sorry did not explain that. He lives in cloud cuckoo land. If you ever spoke to any old Hoverspeed staff they will tell you he’s not got a clue.

Go to http://www.directferries.co.uk/news/2006august.htm#L1 read Euroferries under scrutiny dated 28th August 2006 and New cross channel fast fery slow to materialise dated 31st August 2006. I think both storeys say it all. The local MP wants to be shot for being taken in by a con man.

I think anyone who is interested in ferry services should pay attention to http://www.bringbacktheswanseacorkferry.com instead. If this service from Ramsgate to Boulogne gets underway, I shall show my bare bottom at the dockside!

The craft which Euroferries propose to use is an Australian – built catamaran which has seen service on Lake Ontario crossing to Rochester New York State. After some initial teething problems due to engines being run too fast and too long when ‘ delivered’ from Australia to ‘ Bay Ferries’ Rochester NY it was a success in practical terms. Since July 2007 it’s been used on the Straits of Gibraltar crossing from Tarifa to Tanger. Now , hopefully, it’s to see a new life between Ramsgate and Boulogne taking just 75 minutes !! Having used LD LINES new non-fast-craft Dover>Boulogne on 12 Feb 2009 , the inaugural service, it took 3 hrs against the claimed 1hr 45mins due to a “low tide” and the deliberate slowing down of the ship. Ship is beautifully kitted out , more cruise ship than ferry , but a journey time of 1hr 45mins Dover >Boulogne is just too slow. I’ll be using the 75mins Ramsgate>Boulogne service ! On that point I look over into the Port Ramsgate every day and for the last week there has been much activity erecting new fencing to what seems a dedicated Euroferries area and daily dredging of the water around the berth AND in the approach channel coming from the south (Boulogne ). It looks as tho’ this time it may come to fruition !!

This sounds like good news since the demise of SpeedFerries, even though LD Lines are crossing to bolougne, it’s a 90 mins RORO.

I assume Euroferries willbe running an INCAT WPC – any idea (anoraks on) if this is a new ship or where it came from if not?

Suggestion – if this is to be good for local business, someone should consider setting up a site in conjunction with Euroferries to advertise local hotels and restaurantst. Cat crossings are so quick there’s no time to eat on board, we *always* look for somewhere to eat before we cross!

Oh pooh – didn’t read all the posts, I see the source of the ferry has already been revealed.

I have had a reply from an email I sent to Euroferries and it would seem that an announcement is due very and there wil be 4 crossings daily :

Part of the email:

‘Announcements will be made imminently on Euroferries website and by its public relations company including bookings, fares and timetables’.

Sorry I forgot the ’soon’ and a l.

And an n

I really shouldn’t rush.

Ted, just to let you know that the dredging and fencing you can see down at the ol’ Port De Ramsgate is actually for the offshore fart farm project and nothing to do with Euroferries.

I also have it on good grounds that there has been no contracts signed nor is there plans for any to be signed in the near future.

As for the cat supposedly coming in to ramsgate for berthing trials in mid February…well its now late February and where is it?? Still in make believe fairytale land, thwats where!!!

Fart farm? [boggle]

FWIW, INCAT’s website still shows the target ferry (assuming the above comments are correct) as plying the Algeciras route across the med. OTOH, it still shows Speed One as belonging to Speed Ferries and being busy on DoverBol route, so maybe they wont’ change their site until the news isn’t news any more – i would imagine they’d get scant thanks for “breaking” such news.

Chris the ‘Target Ferry’ is no more than just a press release to induce LD Lines into a speed start up on the Dover/Boulogne route.

I am telling you that EuroFerries will never start.
There is far too much work needs doing to the port to make it accessable to passengers, then theres just the shear logistics of it, where would you then put the passenger vehicles?? soo much space has been lost to different TDC projects that is Dover goes up the duff TransEuropa cannot place their strike action plans in place.

But hey, you seem to know better!
So you keep telling yourself it will happen, after all its only been a load of Bull for the past 2-3 years now =]

You do seem to know a lot about what i know. Remind me to ask you next time I’m not sure.

If you check carefully, you’ll find I’m not saying ANYTHING, just asking.

RE BELOW – i have worked on the Ex spirit of ontario and this will never appear in Ramsgate it is owned and operated successfully by FRS Maroc. and its new name is the Tanger Jet and definately not for sale.

so it is total rubbish i dont know where you get your information from!!!

Brean Ramsgate Feb 15th, 2009 at 5:08 pm The craft which Euroferries propose to use is an Australian – built catamaran which has seen service on Lake Ontario crossing to Rochester New York State. After some initial teething problems due to engines being run too fast and too long when ‘ delivered’ from Australia to ‘ Bay Ferries’ Rochester NY it was a success in practical terms. Since July 2007 it’s been used on the Straits of Gibraltar crossing from Tarifa to Tanger. Now , hopefully, it’s to see a new life between Ramsgate and Boulogne taking just 75 minutes !! Having used LD LINES new non-fast-craft Dover>Boulogne on 12 Feb 2009 , the inaugural service, it took 3 hrs against the claimed 1hr 45mins due to a “low tide” and the deliberate slowing down of the ship. Ship is beautifully kitted out , more cruise ship than ferry , but a journey time of 1hr 45mins Dover >Boulogne is just too slow. I’ll be using the 75mins Ramsgate>Boulogne service ! On that point I look over into the Port Ramsgate every day and for the last week there has been much activity erecting new fencing to what seems a dedicated Euroferries area and daily dredging of the water around the berth AND in the approach channel coming from the south (Boulogne ). It looks as tho’ this time it may come to fruition !!

Well Chris i should hope i know alot about it, as i actually work at the port and therefor have dealings with the management/contractors on a daily basis.
And unlike most people down there who just stick their heads in the sand, i actually like to know what is going on in my place of work.

Hello Paul,

Very interesting to read your comments regarding the works at Ramsgate, I’m on the other side and bemused by the conflicting reports !

According to my sources something has been signed in Boulogne and a ship purchased by the ‘investors’ your side ! Bonanza…….

The proposed ferry would was due to be at Berth 16, the old Hoverspeed and a coach ‘test’ was run…… I can’t say that any of this is true as did not see for myself.

Over here it has gone very quiet ……

Belle

Hello,

According to my information the ship would be Milenium Tres.

I hope that this information will be confirmed quickly.

Wait and see !

SpeedOne

The vessel is called bonanza express,have a look at fred olsen express web,will be brought from Tenerife

Your are sure, because Bonanza Express is not a 98 M, but a 96 M.

SpeedOne

Rumour wars! I love it! Just sort out the truth before I get back from Corwall, chaps, OK?

Today is the day that a ‘decision will be taken’ – I have this on ‘good’ authority, quite contrary to the initial so called ’signing’ at the CCI in Boulogne. Have been tracking the sale of Bonanza for a few weeks now, nothing on Lloyds so far.

At present, certainly in Boulogne, there could not be a dedicated area for Euroferries clients as it would be shared with LD, the date for completion of the outer staging is June ….. but the year is not specified ! I jest, comes from living here for soooo long !

Why would anyone build the hopes of two towns to have it all fail again ? What is the gain ?

Why to wait in June, the berth 16 is available and LD does not use the passenger terminal areas of Speedferries. When they wanted to trade in 2006 there was already SpeedFerries and nevertheless they wanted to begin the service.

I hope to see Euroferries in Boulogne before June!

But as we say : Wait and see

im sure the vessel will be bonanza express,its ready for being in england on first of may,it has been repainted of white so wait….

im sorry i meant on first of march

Thanks for the good news Great !

your wellcome,speedone,i know the first trip will leave from ramsgate at 6:oo am,from monday to friday,the rest of the trips i dont know but itll do many trips by days

haha ok great well thats just over 2 weeks away i sure hope that euroferries can get the multi millions of pounds needed to bring the passenger terminal building in ramsgate back up so working standards AND sing the contracts And modify the berth at ramsgate so it can accomadate the vessel, as for 6 am im not too sure about that as TEF Larkspur uses the birth for her 07.00 departure, arriving in ramsgate anytime between 4.30 – 6am depending on weather and bunkering

The ferry will sleep in Ramsgate,so it can leave at this time belive me

sleep in ramsgate??? where? there are only 2 available berths 1 which TEF Larkspur uses as i said and the other is a double ramped berth and unacessable to the fast craft…as Sally Line found out when they used to run them.

And Belle in relation to your statement about there being no dedicated space that Euroferries could use, this is also the case in Ramsgate as TEF use the check in hall for their car passesngers, the rest of the terminal building is then blocked off by shutters, covered in posters and signs etc…

I had the pleasure of speaking with a local journalist yesterday, who was onboard the LD launch…. the policy is to get in when the going is tough – great if they have the funds.

I also went to have a look at the operation in Boulogne, I have used SP in the past so know the score, still bollards everywhere and not much sign of life…. I am not surprised. It will be interesting to see what happens at Easter, usually the start of the tourist season.

‘Speedone’ reported on the Milenium Tres, I was always told it was the Fred Olsen ship, given all the possibilities, I still don’t get why it would work (by that I mean make money)

I was also told a 16th March start – how ?

But to give you a laugh, I wrote to EF and even though I gave umpteen reasons why it was doomed, the e:mail thanked me for my good wishes ! As said before, lights are on but no one at home !

Let’s se what the meetings this week in Boulogne bring …. Mercredi …..

hahah yes bell i also sent a relatively similar email, and also got the same back, my email also contained pretty much the same press statement as which is on EF’s website, was yours similar??

im not suprised in the least to hear thaat the entire area is still bollarded off, and again 16th of march, hmm? as i said before too much work needs to be done at ramsgate to make it physically possible, let alone fynacially viable!

i dont mean to sound pessimistic, but im just trying to be realistic and make people realise just what they are speakin/hoping for before dreams get crushed just as they did back in 2006 from dover/boulogne.

but still many thaks bell and hopefully we can keep the people up to date from both sides of the channel together!:)

all the best!!
pip pip!!

If they were to start the service in March wouldn’t they be recruiting staff by now?

I do hope it happens but I’m not so sure. Having said that its such a competitive market for channel crossings that it would be quite natural for them to keep schtum about any developments until its 100% definite.

Nick, yes that is true they could well be keeping things on the ‘down low’ as it were, but at the same time you would know if it was going to start before anything was said by EF because soo much work would be occuring at both Ramsgate and Boulogne, what with rebranding the terminal space in Boulogne in EF’s livery and here in the Costa Del Ransghetto, there would be serious rebuilding of the terminal and major restructuring of the port lay out to accomadate for the space needed to run such an operation.

At the beginning of February there were great expectations of a start in March, but on closer examination it looked less likely….

Maybe it will start up, I go back to my original question and a more in depth one, where will the 1.2 million passengers a year come from ?

The idea of the coach tie up, I get it but to what end ? The first ship at 6 am means leaving London at 4am or earlier if going through the Medway towns including Canterbury, with the near parity of the £ and no real gain on fags anymore …. besides the arrival in Boulogne, if that were the destination, is a good hour or more before abything is open !

I remember the days of the £5 day tripper on Hoverspeed who left the ship for the terminal and then back on again for the return journey, it may have helped HS keep a service running but that was it !

As for competition – there will always be the case for cheaper travel but can it be profitable ? I am aware of the daily cost of a ship and selling tickets at between £30 and £60 return, car plus up to 4 people, unless to near capacity every time will not make a profit.

Does anyone envisage such a service being at near capacity every trip ?

I commented to the OH many times that Speedferries were too cheap compared to the Tunnel, I prefer the latter as at least if I miss my ‘boarding time’ I don’t have to wait hours for the next departure. It is fine for those in SE England to judge driving times in the UK but when people like me have more than 400 kms before arrival and rely on no problems with the M25 et al, that is why I prefer to pay the extra to Eurotunnel, early or late I get on the next available train and usually within the hour.

What Boulogne businesses are looking for are the days of the ‘day tripper’ that stayed locally and spent locally. So many of the too many restos/bars are closing, life has changed and the CCI in Boulogne don’t appear to realise this and keep giving false hope to their people.

It would seem that Ramsgate is suffering under a similar scenario…

Belle

It’s all well and good keeping it quiet, but what about telling the passengers needed to run it and make a profit? LD lines are part of the Louis Dreyfus Group a huge company dating back to the late 19th Century, they’re also looking at buying Seafrance.

I think its bad of Steve Ladyman and Euroferries to mislead people about the possibility of a new ferry service starting in March. Its obvious its not happening otherwise they’d be more evidence of it. Its as if they told porky pies in order to give local people and businesses a boost. There’s more chance of me swimming accross the channel in 75 minutes.

When this news came out I was very excited, but am now very disappointed. Of course this is not all over and there may be a chance of his all coming true, but the longer it goes on, and the more I read, the more sceptical I get.

I agree that it’s wrong that the reports were made as fact and concrete, and also that it appears like Steve Ladyman was jumping on the bandwagon of good hope.

*fingers still crossed*

Don’t know if anyone has seen this yet, but it does throw some light on the company.
thanetstrife.blogspot.com/2009/02/nerve-centres-of-euroferries.html

Thanks Steve

The e:mail I received was from Adrian Gillan, Director …….

adrian.gillan@euroferries.co.uk

I watch with interest.

Belle

I have e-mailed Mr Gillan and await his reply. The reply I got from Euroferries ( which I’m sure is the same as everyone got) was from a ‘hotmail’ address, so could have been set up by anyone really.

Ive just scrolled through my inbox and found the reply i got to my email i sent EF. here it is guys. wondering if yours is at all similar if not exactly the same??

Dear Paul,

We thank you for your interest in our new fast ferry service and your kind words.
This Spring Euroferries will commences it’s high speed ferry services between the Port of Ramsgate in Kent and the French Port of Boulogne-Sur-Mer with four crossings daily.

Accommodating cars, coaches and foot passengers, Euroferries high speed vessel will cross the Channel in only 75 minutes with effortless comfort. Time enough to browse the onboard ‘tax paid’ shopping area, enjoy a meal onboard or for a luxury, experience the first class facilities.

Dedicated terminal areas in Boulogne and Ramsgate are used solely by Euroferries passengers, so much of an advantage to relax and shop or eat before departure.

Motor access to Ramsgate and Boulogne is quick and scenic through the countryside of Kent and Northern France, the motorway and trunk carriageways connect directly into the terminal areas minimising delay and the need for lengthy arrival and embarkation time without congestion. Ramsgate and Boulogne offer a rapid cross-channel experience without stress and crowding.

Announcements will be made imminently on Euroferries website and by its public relations company including bookings, fares and timetables and we have placed your details on our contact list to receive further information.

Thank you once again for you interest.

Adrian Gillan
Director
Euroferries
adrian.gillan@euroferries.co.uk

This is the same bloke i got a response from when i asked about if there were any jobs going. If they had a pr company on board he’d surely be diverting enquiries to them unless the pr company is himself operating out of his warden aided flat in Slough. (see prior links to the Euroferries parent company) This could be a middleman operation creating the demand and then outsourcing it to a third party or it could be a spoof at our expense.

http://www.gillanmedia.com/whatwedo.htm

“April fools and spoofs”

adrian@gillanmedia.com

also if this were a serious company don’t yo think they’d snap up similar domains. I might pretend to stat up my own ferry company for £10.26 for two years if it gets that kind of reaction out of people.

euroferries.org
euroferries.uk.com

available now from http://www.freeparking.com/

okay back to spotting UFO’s but i look forward to your comments

Hmm Pete just had a look at gillanmedia.com, the page set up is rather basic (like EF’s) and there also not a great deal of information about what it actually is, theres a fair bit about who theyve done work for but thats it…

wonder if it is the same Adrian Gillan as our beloved EF Director??

The last press release/news item on http://www.gillanmedia.com is from 2003.

The Euro Ferries website looks like it’s from 2003, so there could well be a link!

ahhh and ‘cunning stunts’ !

A piece in the Voix du Nord today by Frederic Vaillant, he has used some of your leads to find out the origin of the investors …

He describes EF as a sea serpent that raises his head yet again and then dives to the deep without trace !

On the QT, Boulogne CCI, or at least those not bothered by kudos, don’t think it will happen ….. I prefer to leave the others to their press parading.

Belle

I think Steve Ladymen is accountable. The public deserve to know the evidence that suggested to him that a ferry company operating to Boulougne was on the cards. Why build peoples hopes in this dire economic climate.

I agree with Pete, if Steve Ladyman was involved in months of negotiation, then surely he must have seen some evidence or at the least demanded to see evidence regarding the ferry that was to be used and how the venture was to be financed before making his announcement, and could he not get back to who he was in talks with and find out what is going on.

Guys, i dont personally feel that Steve Ladyman is accountable, on the one hand no, maybe he shouldnt have made statements about this ’supposed’ new service, but at the same time, in those statements he also haid that we should all keep our fingers crossed and save the celebrations untill it actuallty came to a head.
What with Steve not being anything to do with the port or TDC Maritime Devision then he would not know about the actual details of EF, he was only speaking on behalf of the area as an MP.

Hi, What I was trying to say was that as Mr Ladyman according to the announcemount he made back in January was that he had used his experience as shipping minister to help him deal with negotiations between investors, the Port of Ramsgate and Thanet Council,and that as these negotiations had been going on for several years, that perhaps he could get back to the investors he was talking to and get some answers, or has he tried and gets no reply from them?

I heard from a fairly reliable source that the dredging of Ramsgate Harbour was on account of preperations for work on the wind farm and notthe ferry

Having just read the gazette from friday, I see that Cllr Latchford says “We are involved in negotiations with Euroferries and their partners about increased routes from the harbour. Ramsgate Port is open for buisness” I was under the impression the negotiations were concluded, but it would appear they still go on.Mr Ladyman also thinks that a confidentiality agreement has been signed between EF and TDC until the ferry purchase is concluded. I feel this is going to go on for a long long time.(Also why does the Gazette cost so much, as it appears to be a copy of the Adscene or vice versa, and they can’t even get the page numbers correct).

Well….. I was told to expect an announcement on Wednesday then Thursday, nothing …..

Can someone please explain what the scam is ?

Say you are bringing a ferry, rip off who of what ?

Completely Lost in France

Belle

i’ve heard from two reliable moles with in TDC that its definitely happening. I’m very confused now.

Copy of Press Release received today….

LAUNCH OF FAST FERRY SERVICE
FROM RAMSGATE TO BOULOGNE

Euroferries are pleased to announce the commencement of its fast ferry cross channel service on 31st March 2009 with the introduction of its first vessel ‘Bonanza Express’ being operated in partnership with Fred Olsen.

Bonanza Express is a 96m fast Incat vessel, initially operating four crossings daily between Ramsgate and Boulogne.

The service will cater for cars, foot passengers, coaches and a limited amount of freight and caravans.

Per Staehr has been appointed Chairman and Director, Adrian Gillan has been appointed Director, Geoffrey Ede has been appointed Operations Executive and Paul Donert Company Secretary.

Euroferries base at Ramsgate will bring employment to the area and business to the local community.

Ends 5.3.09

For further information please contact
the Euroferries press office at The Staging House
traceypoulton@thestaginghouse.com or telephone 01403 710329

Notes to Editor:

1. Per Staehr has a long experience within the marine and transport business having served in senior position within the A. P. Moller – Maersk Group and Bombardier Transportation. He is currently working as a Director which includes being Chairman of A2SEA, a Director of Trico Marine Inc USA [US Nasdaq listed company] and also involved in other marine and transport related activities.

2. Geoffrey Ede formerly Managing Director of Hoverspeed

3. Paul Donert formerly Senior Partner Ernst & Young

4. Adrian Gillan, Solicitor.

Well, what can I say. If Fred Olsen are the partners then what can go wrong. I really hope this works.

Although I see Mr G Ede is involved, perhaps his pub wasn’t doing to well.

Thanks for that Belle, starting to sound a bit better, could you tell me where that press release came from?

Ive had a look but cant find it anywhere else on the web.

Cheers!!

Paul

this is kent/kentnews/thanetonline are all covering it.

Belle

also Thanetstrife will give further info about the ferry….

look at bfenthusiasts forum as well, am trying to find out if the partnership with FO is real or just a charter….

Thanks Belle,

Well today we have seen alot of activity, with people from Fred. Olsen wandering around the port and checking out the scene, i overheard a conversation about a ’stand alone’ attachment for the berth so that it can be moved out of the way when not in use, im not too sure about the 31st being the start up date, theres still no work occuring in the passenger facilities here, dont know about your side of things??

I don’t believe the photo on the press release is real, a photoshop jobbie with a surprising file name !I have had a close look ….. something bizarre, difficult to explain.

I had heard that there was a meeting of minds today with both sides of the Manche, like you a start date of 31st seems a bit too soon, for many reasons.

I still struggle to understand where, in the present climate, are the clients coming from, the cake is smaller than before and it is just a transference from one place to another, which dilutes it between operators.

Boulogne CCIS are so desperate for traffic they probably agree to anything, even though they recently have been left with Speedferries debts and before that Hoverspeed, not sure if the latter was eventually settled.

LD were given many ‘let offs’ to get them in, I just wonder if it would have been cheaper to right off Speedferries debts, at least they were up and running and appeared to have a loyal following.

It would seem LD have started reasonably well by using the SP database and offering reductions to those that have lost money on pre-paid tickets. So, it wasn’t from a standing start as was the case with SP and would be with EF.

I am probably being too analytical – looking for reasoning …..

Fred Olsen Energy, A2SEA, wind farm, is the proposed ferry some sort of bribe ?

Can anyone find a tie up with Vallenfall ? Was the wind farm opposed ?

Vallenfall? Whats that Belle?
The wind farm works here in Ramsgate were opposed but have gone ahead none the less, there allready parts of the turbines waiting on the dockside for the Quey to be built so they can be shipped out to the site.
And for everyone else’s information there are now 3 Dredgers working the port area, hopefully the works wont take aslong as expected!

Well seems to me a lot of negative response there. Why not give the bloke a chance and then feel free to critisize. I applaud anyone who thinks they can help the public get a better deal. Too many brits are out to fleece to many people. Electrician, £250 for a days labour, haha. Well I am not going to pay it. I would rather pay a qualified immigrant or refugee. Lets make Britain great again. What happened to the friendly british smile, lets all help get this country off its knees and back up and running.

Home place Boulogne sur Mer,anxious to know more (timetable/prices/booking )thanks

Just sent a message By

Just rung the 01403 710329 the young lady that answered informed me that the booking web site will be live on the 16th March 2009 and the first sailing will be on the 31st March 2009. Will wait and see what happens.

From this side, it would seem they don’t have funding or a bank guarantee.

There are a few comments on Thanet Strife that imply the same ….
interesting.

Hi Paul,
What are the names of the dredgers?

Bart,
There is the Admiral Day, UKD Marlin (since departed) and the third has never been close enough to the quay side for me to read the name, but its about the size of a private fishing vessel…pretty pointless!

Hi. Maybe of interest to someone. Euroferries Holdings the one based in Kingston-upon-Thames applied yesterday to be sruck off the Companies register. This may be because of a change of Directors, a new company being formed or as the Companies House say it may be because the original idea was not feasible.

Hi Steve,
I am wondering if that as anything to do with the fact tht EF are now doing a supposed deal with Fred. Olsen and not trying to buy their own ship outright?? So perhaps they dont need a Holdings company anymore??

Hi Steve,
I am wondering if that has anything to do with the fact tht EF are now doing a supposed deal with Fred. Olsen and not trying to buy their own ship outright?? So perhaps they dont need a Holdings company anymore??

Re Companies House – there would be no direct relationship. CoHo don’t tell companies their ideas are feasilble or not, they just record the company data and filings. Change of directors would NOT require a striking off, just a filing of new directors details. Likewise any change in shareholding would just require a filing of same. Striking a company off makes it cease to exist – you would then have to set up a new company from scratch. If this company HAS been struck off, it isn’t about to trade any time soon – that isn’t to say that the venture is in fact proceeding under the banner of another company.

I have also been into CoHo, the last I found was a change of Directors? on the 7th Feb, also many apps for striking off then not.

Maybe the ultimate answer is that Fred Olsen need to do something with the BE and with ‘grants/let offs’ from both TDC and Boulogne CCI it is worth a try.

I will know more very soon, for all the blurb about this Per S, he is in fact involved in windfarms, mainly the transportation. I can see nothing on his ‘CV’ that says ferries. As for GE, some people just can’t let go ….

From Belle, beautiful by name and beautiful by nature – I wish !

Hi
As I said in my comment this could just be that a new company is being formed, and as regards it not being a feasible idea, this was just one of the reasons given why a company may have itself removed from the list, and did not actually imply this was the reason for EF making the application, and it would seem that the only way to have a strike off reversed is to get a Court order.

Here is report I got sent:

Address: 2 KINGS KEEP BEAUFORT ROAD, KINGSTON UPON THAMES, SURREY, KT1 2HP
Tel: We do not list telephone numbers. Click here to search for a telephone number at 192.com
Type: Private Limited with share capital
Incorporation Date: 21-07-2006
Status: Non-trading company
Last Accounts Filed up to: 31-07-2008
Last Accounts Analysed: –
Nature of business SIC: 74840 – Other business activities not elsewhere classified

Recent Changes:
09/03/2009 652A – Application for striking off.
31/07/2008 AA – Annual Accounts.
06/03/2009 Dissolution or striking-off document filed – Application for striking-off
07/02/2009 288A – Notice of change of directors or secretaries or in their particulars.
31/07/2007 AA – Annual Accounts.
22/10/2008 Resignation of director / secretary

Reports:
As this company has either not or only recently filed they are not yet analysed by our system, so we are unable to offer a credit report. If you would like to be informed by email when the report is available, please click here.

As a newish Ramsgatonian I am really excited about the ferry. Get too seasick to go as far as Ostende on the passenger service, but I can manage Boulogne.

As for Companies House stuff, sounds to me like the Company is being restructured, perhaps to reflect a closer relationship with Fred Olsen or whoever – maybe changing the shareholding structure or ownership in someway and don’t need the same holding company structure.

The original piece says there isn’t a passenger service to Ostend, I thought there was, launched a couple of years ago, I even know someone who’s used it. Is it not going any more?

have you gusy never heard of a CONFIALITY (cant spell it!) AGREEMENT! hence the lack of information… hence the emails being the ’same’… because they only have a certian about they can sat under the agreement. rumours are histericle.. i do wander where all your ‘information’ comes from! i will be happy ot prove you all wrong, those who believe it’s just a scam! and particular to see Paxmans bare bottom on the dockside!. Stop all being so cynicle! people work LONG AND HARD to make EF work.. and in the end, you are going to benefit from jobs availibilty and tourism… MONEY guys.. isnt that what you’r all obsessed with… stop being cynicle and watch the money roll in.

LOLLYPOP: I think matron is looking for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Lollypop is a ‘palnt’ !

Monay seems to be okay for boat purchase – 31st March, doubtful….

Whoops, who left the gates open?
Lollypop, have you been out on the Beers again??

For Lollypop !

‘Euroferries say they will be sailing from Ramsgate on 31 March 2009… But it’s not good news for people like Cindy who are looking for jobs as Euroferries new ship comes with its own crew and they’re not from the South East.’

Quoted from BBC South East …..

Belle, as it was said on Inside Out, it is very doubtfull for a 31st start date, yes there has been a recent hive of activity but as Wodger Latchford said there is still no contract with EF in place, i assume this is the same on your side of things?
Also i have just called the number stated by Ken Fox further up in the comments and the PR company still dont have a date for the bookings/price list, although the lady i spoke to has taken my details and told me that she would get in touch as soon as they knew further details (i.e. when the url becomes live).
So as soon as i know, ill post or let the Bloggers know so they can post to the rest of us!

Still no agreement for a berth in Boulogne! Unpaid wages still owing from last attemps to start. Adrian cannot decide if Director or Solicitor. No office. No British jobs. Ops manager from failed company. No ticket sales.
We can live in hope of some local jobs. Gueat houses should be OK putting up Spanish crew.

I’m unable to source this but i just heard a rumour that Euroferries are negotiating the acquisition of a second vessel to come into service in September. As anyone else heard this?

I had heard Spanish crew as well, also that the finances are ‘in place’ for the Bonanza Express – the latter being so, why would this be ‘in partnership’ with Fred Olsen ? ….. and the livery would not be done until purchase/charter completed, hence I say the photo being bandied about is a mock up.

LD and EF have both said second vessels due in Autumn, the former has others, the latter, anyones guess…..

Boulogne will want paying upfront for berthing charges having lost out with Speedferries.

I suppose we will have to wait until next week to see the booking engine go live, then we can all believe it ! If they want to keep to a 31st March date, they are going to have to go some. Maybe it will just cross empty afterall it will need to see how it works in the Liane, Berth 16 is on the river, old Hoverspeed slot, which was a much smaller vessel.

Paul if you go to euroferries.co.uk they say that the booking site will be up and running for booking tickets and further information on the 16th March. Went on this morning at 10-30.

Hi
On the 4th of March the Bonanza Express was out of the water on the dock.
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/showallphotos.aspx?mmsi=224768000#top_photo

It would appear that work is going on to repaint it.

Steve

Thanks for that Steve,
If it is ‘re-branding’ and just not usual maintenance then theyll have to be snappy with it and getting work done at both ports read fro the 31st.
I still cant personally see them making that start date, perhaps 31st april but hey lets just wait and see! )

Hi
The vessel is still in Gran Canaria, but I suppose a 2 day journey to here could see it here at the end of the week. giving a week for docking trials etc. Also the website only says that the booking site will be available week commencing 16th, so I suppose that could be anytime this week.

Hmmm, I’d assumed that “week commencing 16th” would mean it would go live on the 16th. I suppose that it can technically start anytime this week, but why not just put a date on it?

Steve

Love the site you listed ! So, I was right that the photo was a mock up, what is interesting on the site is that if you go through the links, there is an ETA of 13/10/09 ? to CTR GMR VDE, anyone ?

Belle

Lloyds List say it is a ‘time charter’…..

Hi
Perhaps as it’s a time charter, EF are only planning to run the service during the summer months,and just haven’t told anyone yet and then the ferry will return to Fred Olsen in perhaps October. Just a thought. Didn’t Hoverspeed stop running during the winter period before their demise?

Yes Steve, HS did this – it also meant that on the French side everyone was on fixed term contracts, so no redundancy pay etc. I am informed by an ex-employee that G Ede is tough to deal with re: conditions and pay.

Also, I think Paul said he overheard a converstaion in Ramsgate whereby the span could be removed when not in use …..

I am a regular traveller on or under the channel, some ‘on’ crossings with Hoverspeed were terrifying, the BE will have to diagonally cross the current, good luck in heavy seas !

But if they intend to give it back through the winter months, why would there be a second boat coming in September, unless its a swop ? Just a thought…
Belle

Have a look at bfenthusiasts forum, it seems BE is still in port and listing as of 14/03 !

I regularly used Speed Ferries and before thatthe SeaCat. Only trouble we ever had was when the Seacat ingested a net marker bouy, took about twenty minutes to get the jet intake clear before we could get going again.

TO be fair, the heaviest crossing I ever made had the Pride of (somethign) stuck outside dover for 20 mins coz the waves were too high to make it through the breakwater. I doubt the cats were out that night…

Hi

If you go onto the site I listed you can then go to vessel details and then current vessel track. This still shows BE in port, so perhaps one day soon we will see it moving. What would be nice is if anyone knew anyone that lived in or near Gran Canaria to go and see what is going on.

Hi Steve
Is it me? But I cannot find any trace of BE on that site as to being at the dockside or sailing? I could be having a senior moment!

http://forums.bfenthusiasts.com/showthread.php?t=6483&page=6, shows this
‘As of last Saturday 14 March the Bonanza Express was still in the Canaries still damaged and listing in port, very unlikely the Euroferries service will commence also vessel will need stern ramps and watertight doors for English Channel work’

For Ken Fox, click on ‘vessels details’ and then on ‘itinerary’…

Hi Belle, sorry i havent been able to get on here recently with work and what not, but yes you are correct there are arcutects’ plans for a ramp that can be moved away when the BE is not in port, i know this because i have seen them on the Duty Operantions Managers’ (DOM) desk, the DOM’s are employed by TDC to run their side of opereations at Ramsgate New Port, so therefor i cant see the BE needing stern ramps, but yes it would need watertight doors for operations in the English Chanel.

Relatives of mine were in The Canaries recently. They said they saw a Fred Olson ferry having a repaint. They cut back one of the ferry services in the canaries that they’d used the previous year so that makes sense that the boat that’s suurplus to requirements over there is being used by Euroferries on the Ramsgate Boulougne route.
Still no sign of anything at Ramsgate harbour and no sign of tickets for sale on the Euroferries website.
A 31 March start is too unrelaistic now surely?

Have a look at Bertie Biggles on Thanet Strife, his comments about a Eurotunnel offer are absolutely laughable.

As if ET would worry about a phantom ferry when they have all the other competition visible to the naked eye !!!

I have received offers from LD, Norfolk Line and LD, business is dire …..

It is reported in todays Voix du Nord that with LD not going forward on the purchase of SeaFrance they will be looking at concentrating on Boulogne and are considering a cat from Dover ….. plus expansion North of Dunkerque. The mention of a cat is likely to compromise negotiations between Boulogne CCI and EF…..

Hi
Well, after the apparent upbeat start to the week, it would now seem that perhaps this is dead in the water (excuse the pun). No booking site has appeared and the ferry is still in Gran Canaria, and if LD are looking at a cat from Dover, and as they already have finance etc and are an established operator who are Boulogne going to opt for?

No Seacat No facilaties in place No timetable and fares which as an interested customer nomore has been eagerly awaiting .it is back to dover to a reliable carrier .I am sure a lot of protential customers feel the same way do not waste the fuel coming to ramsgate from the canaries unless you can run on hot air that at the moment the fast service from ramsgate is running on.

Nigel I agree with you, it would seem that everything connected ferry wise that includes the name Ede is no go. He was the main downfall of Hoverspeed. All was going well until he decide to marry one of the crew. Thats when all the fancy ideas came about. First class area, exspensive wines. He must have listened with his middle rather than his ears. All the crew saw the changes that happened as soon as he married. He was supposed to have started running a fast craft service from Dover not long after Hoverspeed went to the wall. Seeing as he was the main man at Hoverspeed at the time they went to the wall, his track record speaks for itself, I think. If he could not keep them running with the resources of Sea Containers behind him Then what are the chances of EF getting off of the ground. I for one would not invest a penny in anything that had his name on. Getting to Dover is a lot more direct for people heading from most of the country, rather than weaving your way around second rate a roads into Ramsgate. Dover here we come.

Hi
In response to Kens comments, it was Sea Containers the owners at the time, who decided to end operations between Dover and Calais on the 7th of November 2005.

Below is a an exert from the BBC news report on 01/11/05

“The company is owned by Sea Containers, which has said it wants to introduce “fundamental changes”.

This would seem to indicate that the decision to close the route was not in the hands of Mr Ede, but was made by the Bahamas based Sea Containers Company, who in 2006 went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the USA, although they are now out of it.

Mr Ede may well have been in charge of Hoverspeed in the uk at the time, but the decision to cease operations was not his. He not be the most able person to run a company but I really don’t think making the comments you did are justified.

Full BBC News story from 01/11/05:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/4396062.stm

Sorry I meant He may not be the most able (Last paragraph)

Steve. It was the returns of revenue that made Sea Containers pull the plug Steve. If you had ever owned a large company you would understand that revenue is the bottom line. You will note that a whole year elapsed from the time of the Hoverspeed closure to the fileing for bankruptcy. The man with overall responsabilty for revenue was Mr Ede. Its very clear that you are not a person who has run a large company. If you look at Sea Containers as a whole that is the reason they also off loaded GNER. You really should research the subject you are talking about before quoting the media. In short mordern British management since the early eighties have been so far up there own backsides in thinking there Gods. When in fact most have been lucky chancers. Whilst I was in bussiness I avoided any British person for a managers job (yes I’m British born and bred 63 years old) they are lazy arrogant and sellfish, they do not want to get there hands dirty. I would never ask one of my staff to do a jod that I could not do, even down to cleaning the loo’s. But then again I am old school. If like me you have been very successful in the past then you can comment as to the whys and wherefores of the big outside world of commerce. This will be my last post on here as certain people obviously beleieve all they read and hear in the media. Have you never heard of poetic licence. Never let the facts get in the way of a good story. Its an old saying but very true. I know I spent some considerable time working in the press. BYE

OOOOO Steve, looks like youve upset someone1 :p

Paul,

Any news ? I can’t get anything on the Euroferries site this morning…..

There is the SITL (Transport & Logistics Expo)in Paris next week, it will be interesting to see if anything comes out of that.

Oh dear.

Belle, nope nothing on this side, its all gone very quiet…yet again!!
I see that theres still no change on EF’s website…week commencing 16th March, i think not!

Paul

I’ll let you know more from this end during the week – there’s nothing physical changing at the port, that I can see or know of.

The SITL may throw up an insight, although the ‘news’ seems to be all LD’s way, regarding their proposed upping of profile in our port. The work on the new Hub Terminal is going well, this is where the RORO will dock, expected to be from June. The present terminal will then have the old berth of Neptune/Speedferries and of course 16 that used to take the Hoverspeed Seacat, a while ago I saw plans that showed this being knocked down…..

Bon weekend à tous !

Belle

Belle

Hi
Just something I found on another site. It’s a press release from Fred Olsen on the 5th March.

LINEAS FRED. OLSEN
05 March 2009

The 96 metre Incat Bonanza Express, recently employed on Canary Island services, will operate the new Euroferries route between Ramsgate and Boulogne which is due to start on 31st March.

It may be a replay of the New York ferry purchase which never actually come to anything. Promise to pay etc.

You really need to make it clear which bit is the quote from the press release and what, if any, is your comment… *who* said the bit about “It may be a replay…”? Does make quite a difference you know…

Hi
Sorry about that, the bottom part about the replay is my comment as it seems that this does seem to be what happened before with the New York ferry and as the BE is still in Gran Canaria and no booking site has appeared, then it would seem it is happening again.

Hi

Here is an email I received from Fred Olsen Express. It would appear the ship has been sold.

Dear Steve.

Bonanza Express have been sold to another company. It will operate between England and France.

Best Regards,
Francisco López.

—–Mensaje original—–
De: lineas@fredolsen.es [mailto:lineas@fredolsen.es] Enviado el: domingo, 22 de marzo de 2009 7:27
Para: Internet Lineas
Asunto: Formulario de contacto

Fecha y hora GMT: 22/03/2009 07:26:43

Perhaps they haven’t paid for it yet.

Hi
I seem to keep forgetting things, I really shouldn’t rush. I meant to say I presume where the email states the vessel is sold that means to EF and if it has been sold rather than charterd will it need to be crewed from here, if it ever arrives?

Doesn’t say much for Lloyds List quote – although I was told a few weeks ago that EF had the money to purchase, the question is why would it then be in partnership with Fred Olsen ?

Less than one week to go I ca’t wait to get my ticket for the maisen voyage

What with april the 1st fast approaching………

Will that be when they reveal this all as a hoax?

‘imminently’ appears to mean about 5/8 weeks …..

The ramps of the Gran Canaria harbour was taken for the bonanza,have of the creww will be canarian and the rest will be english,the contract is firmed the vessel will be in Ramsgate in few days

dont hold your breath mate!!!

http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/news/New-fast-ferry-won-8217-t-fit-Ramsgate-s-port/article-847598-detail/article.html

I had heard the same and the draught isn’t enough, although not sure which port is being referenced.

As for LD, reps are presently in Australia looking at a brand new large cat that will take all types of traffic, 110 metres (?)

And it is reported in this weeks Le Marin that they are considering a line between Ostende and UK, not precise on destination.

Paul, let us know when the ‘minor’ works start your end. I just wonder who is funding everything ….

Hi All,

I have been reading the posts with interest. As a resident of Ramsgate I am keen to see any new transport links be a success. I have checked out the activity at the old Sally Line berth at Ramsgate Harbour and there are two dredgers currently working next to the berth; the Cherry Sand and the Admiral Day. On the quay there is also signs of activity. A large new fender delivered and new fencing, portacabins and other structures. The Bonanza Express appears to still be berthed in Gran Canaria so a few more weeks wait seems likely.

James, the ‘new fender’ you can see is actually a bouy for the windfarm, the dredgers are fr the wind farm, the portacabins are for the wind farm, the new fencing is for the wind farm AND the old Sally berth is for the wind farm, sorry to dissapoint you but i am the guy in the know, what with working for TEF and all!

And Belle i will keep you informed as soon as anythin occurs, as of yet EuroFerries statement of ‘minor engineering works’ has ammounted to nothing, not a single bolt, bit of metal has changed on the berth…its all gone deadly silent with EuroFerries here…

Am told that there are meetings this week your side, nothing being done here yet either….. lots of people seem to just stand around the ramp, looking, am not close enough to hear the conversation.

Just wonder who will be paying for the works in the relative ports, I suppose if TDC then that will have to go for approval ?

Paul,
I heard that Euroferries have bought TEF!
Anyhow it appears that the Dias brothers have sold the lot.
Do you know anything about this?
Would make sense if Euroferries would buy them out, then they would have the skilled staff.

Hi, Ruben,
no EF has not bought us out, nor have they even tried!!
I must say that did make me laugh, where exactly would a company that has failed in the past and looks as if it is set to do so again find the funds required to buy out a multi million pound company whith an anual yearly turn over in the regions of hundreds of millions of pounds??
On the other had whilst loading the Primrose up for her 22.30 departure a few weeks ago, i did ship 3 Greek nationals accompaied by one of the Slovienian directors. The Greeks are either looking to take over the company, buy in to it, or purchase some of our vessels, which have to be out of european service by the end of 2010.
Also, Norfolk Line manager one Nigel Castle has been roaming around the port having meetings with TDC to possibly start up a Ramsgate/Zeebrugge rout as things arent as sweet at Dover as they were before…

fgh

Thanks for that Paul.

There seems to be dredging only at the windmill farm berth. If Norfolkline would want to move then they would have get some real dredgers in.
Not the mickey mouse ones they have now…

As for TEF this will mean that unless you find some other ferries there won’t be a TEF service anymore from 2010 as they would be their “sell by date”…

Then Euroferries would be able to have the port to their own or not? Unless Mr Castle buys the port and get the dredgers in…

Correct, as i have said many times before all work is solely for the wind farm nothing more, TDC will not pay out for maintenance, christ i had a window that kept falling out on me at the check in desk for 6 months before it finally got sorted with a bit of card and then waited for another 3 months for the actual window lol.

Well this is the problem we have got, TEF actually had ships in mind to bring to the route but couldnt because of draught etc…

You say EF would have the port to themselves, lets not jump the gun, EF are still a mythical being that noone has seen hair nor hide of.

TDC would not sell off the port as they have done the rest of their assets, what with a contract with TDC, the windfarm and Bretts aggragets so buying the port is out of the question…

Reports here say there are hundreds of coaches waiting to cross and the deal was signed with TDC yesterday – this must be the fourth time …..

I have heard that the ships are to small for Port Ramsgate, via one of the local papers, is there anyone in the know to confirm this?….

Belle, you know as good as me not to believe a word untill youve seen it for yourself or know that it is set in stone.
There has been no talk at the port about any signing with EF. and still no work to the berth…so what does this leave us with?
Exactly what we sarted with in Ramsgate a delapedated underused port and in Boulogne a terminal building and berth not in use…

Craig its not that, it could technically fit into the port, but there are simply no docking facilities there for it…see my earlier postings, i saw the headline outside of a shop a few days ago, it did kind of make me think….hmm get the facts right lol.

Paul

I have listened to all the ‘hype’ which is still ongoing, ‘its going to happen’, ‘capacity’ etc. but I am left with a ‘yeah, heard all this before”.

Regardless of EF, I still do not understand why a newly founded company would risk all on such a venture. The travelling numbers are lower and those that do demand – a price that barely covers cost.

I am assured that the EF will take place, well wonderful, but for how long, just glad I have no money in it, but maybe I do as a PDC tax payer ?

and I forgot to say that the photos of the ‘Euroferries’ craft (mock up) download as a file called ‘bribes’ !

Now, this could be for British Bonanza Express, and the logo is ‘bribes 1′ !

How unfortunate……

new update on euroferries website. if i’m not mistaken it looks like they’re building a new ramp at the far end of Ramsgate harbour. Any activity in Boulougne?

see below

Euroferries high speed cross channel service commences imminently between Port of Ramsgate, Kent and the French Port of Boulogne-Sur-Mer.

Presently minor engineering works are taking place at the Ports to ensure the fastest turn around time to its customers.

Fares, online ticket reservations and further information will appear shortly.

Pete, that statement is about a month old…

And i can tell you, that you are not mistaken, they are building a new ramp, but its for the Thanet Offshore WindFarm Project, as was reported here http://eastcliffrichard.blogspot.com/2009/04/crane-takes-strain.html.

Sorry to dissapoint you old chap!

With the lack of development with Euroferries could we talk in the meantime about the Thanet Windfarm? With the arrival of the “Sea Jack” platform and attendant support vessels there is lots of activity in the harbour. Or is this considered off topic?

Also; what about all these foreign lorries parking on the sea front?

James, take my advice on the lorries, its a hell of alot easier to just leave them be, or you could go down there yourself and tell then to ’shove off’…

Meetings in Boulogne next week ….. but still can’t see an end of April start as no ‘job advertising’ taking place as yet.

On the French forums they are expecting the ex Hoverspeed staff to be taken on.

I don’t know about your politics over there but I found this….

http://lovekentloveramsgate.blogspot.com/2009/04/tourism-ferry-dont-fit.html

dated 2nd of April, interesting that he says the proposed project is only for a year.

Paul any sign of the removable ramp yet ? Nothing here, so far….

Will keep you posted of any developments

Belle

Hi
Just a quick comment. Information from Gran Canaria, work was being done on the powertrain on the vessel, and it has now been moved to the quayside awaiting crew. It is supposed to be sailing on Tuesday, but I’ll hold my breath for that.

Hey guys,

nope, nothing Belle, not a thing at all…

Steve, im wondering where it would sail to if it did leave on Tuesday?
No work in Ramsgate or Boulogne…
All the slight hope i had for this is starting to dwindle away…
Hope im proved wrong though!
If i am it means i can visit our lovely Belle on the other side of the channel lol.
But as you said Steve…lets all hold our breath…

Hi,

Seems the Larkspur was stuck in the mud again a couple of days ago.
Is this the reason why the Cherry sand was dredging there?

Does anyone know how much silt have been removed from the port? Is there still a small beach at the entrance of the harbour?
How many dredgers are still at work now? Surely a lot of mud have been removed as they have been dredging for over 2 months now.

The Bonanza express is still at the port of Las Palmas…

Yup she did Ruben, i was stood out there for an hour in wind and rian waiting for her to turn. then…nothing…it was home time for me! lol.
Nope no dredging for TEF all dredging is for Thanet Offshore Wind Farm Project.
And to be honest not really that much has been removed…as you can tell with ships getting stuck and the fact that this morning you could see a silt bank clearly by the peir wall in the Port.

Hi All,

I’m watching this blog with interest as I’m hoping to use this service on the early summer bank holiday at the end of May. Will is start then?/Will it not? Who knows. The suspense is killing me : )

Thanks Paul and Belle for being my eyes on the docks at either side of the channel.

Well, no one was going anywhere today – although at about 4:30pm this afternoon, the firebrigade were removing the burning embers !

Although the fishing boats were still forming a line across the port entrance, I hear on Radio Five Live that Dover remains closed.

This action has been well reported in advance in our press, starting from last night – so the ferry companies were aware.

I also note that BE is still in GC at time of writing, interesting to see what tomorrow brings….

Belle,I was told that the Speedferries berth at Boulogne was rebuild or was going to be rebuild to accomodate a “big cat”.

Would the old Hoverport not be better? They have a big linkspan next to the old Hoverspeed berth. I was told this is for the Peugeot cars going to Sheerness but I have never seen it working.

Paul, at berth nr 2 the “mudbank” there used to be a special platform for the Dunkerque fastcraft service of Holyman-Sally. They could remove it when the Sally Star was using the berth.
Any idea where this has gone?

I was last weekend in the Montefiore and was told that the Larkspur won’t be stuck in the mud anymore as she is off on charter to the Med for line between Algeria and Italy.
This would have to do with her not being able to use the berth anymore as the berth would be exclusive to EF.

Speedferries arrived on the far side of the terminal, where the old Marfreight Neptunia freight vessel came in, it was then adapted to take SP. It is presently used by LD Lines until the new terminal is ready about 2kms further into the port, due to be ready in July, although a date isn’t yet confirmed and the present strike action won’t help as they were not allowing trucks through yesterday. Whether this is suitable for EF craft I can’t say, but I suspect that LD would not want to share.

The other, Berth 16, is in the estuary, on the townside of the terminal building this is where the Hoverspeed Seacat came in, it is still there, although unsuitable for SP and I understand that the Bonanza Express is larger.

Just to let you know the port is blocked again this morning, so no ferries leaving Dover…..

oh Belle i do love you being the bearer of good news, ive got yet another day ahead of me down at the docks, so we shall be more than busy yet again!!! lol

Ruben, i know that it was, but thats not where i was talking about, i was talking about the pier (western harbour arm) it is still majourly silted up…

Well that is news to me and more than likely news to our directors aswell, as the only ships TEF would get rid of are Primrose and Eurovoyager (as they need to be out of european comission by the end of 2010) and Oleander (the best but most expensive ship we have), the Larkspur has a too greater vehicle capacity to loose, especially on days like today when you friends across the channel go and muck things up for us!!! lol

Any idea when the industrial action is due to end Belle?
or is it another case of who knows??

Hello Paul,

First some news ! LD Lines are proposing to offer cat services to Boulogne from the 1st June !

The fishermen are suggesting that if there is no movement on their proposals then they are going to block Eurotunnel tomorrow as well, now that will be fun !

How long will it last – well I’ve watched lots of these and other strikes before, they usual stop when it rains, can’t get the BBQ lit to go with the beer.

Something also happening here, there are problems with strikes in EDF, electricity, resulting in yesterday and today shops, clinic etc. without power – spoiled my shopping experience this afternoon at Mady !

It’s a case of who knows at the moment, I work at the Transmanche terminal in Boulogne and was sitting waiting to see if anything would happen this morning before being sent to Coquelles to deal with the massive amounts of traffic there. Will wait and see what happens tomorrow, I’ve been asked to arrive in Boulogne in the morning, but I’ve a feeling it’ll be the same story.

Rumor has it at the moment that LD Lines have secured their Incat now btw, according to the BF enthusiasts website it may be this one: (http://www.incat.com.au/domino/incat…5?OpenDocument).

Your link doesn’t work.

I’ve heard rumours LD Lines would be bidding for the just-finished Incat hull 66 – but that’s an Incat 112 – even bigger than teh Olsen craft – so presumably will not fit Bolougne either? Or was it only at the Ramsgate end that everyone says the Incat 98 won’t fit.

I’m assuming it’s Ramsgate it won’t fit into as by the time it’s delivered LD Lines will be running out of the Hub (The new Boulogne port).

Presumably it’s this Incat:

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?mmsi=311022100

?

The new terminal in Boulogne will not be ready until July, I’ve been told that the new cat from LD will operate out of the same one as being used now.

Belle

Boulogne Port apparently on ‘fire’ again this morning, it makes such a mess of the roads.

If – if the rumours that LD are acquiring the use of the NEW Incat 112 that’s just been built, then yes, that’s the one. Ugly looking bugger until it gets some logos on the side, innit. OTOH, could be worse, could be done up in “Fred Olson” colours.

Yeah Belle, my bad apparently the Incat is compatable with the finger pier that Speed One used!

Paul

Have there been any adverts for staff over there to go with an early May start ?

Keep an eye on Bonanza over the weekend ….. hearing some rumours but nothing firm…..

Bet you have had a busy few days, maybe EF would be better off doing a deal outside of France ?

Belle

Hi

Do you think that the Boulogne service from Ramsgate is now dead, especially as LD have announced there new service from Dover at the end of May using the cat mentioned earlier which carries freight.

I also had an email from Fred Olsen Lines regarding the lease/purchase of the BE and it seems things have gone very quite, reminds me of the New York fiasco.

Ah well, perhaps next year.

http://www.thisfrenchlife.com/thisfrenchlife/2009/04/high-speed-link-between-dover-and-boulogne.html

Well Euroferries look to have sunk without trace even before they have set sail. Then again we all knew it was a non runner.

Ccomley – yep, the new LD service will go ahead and with assured funding….

Lord Lucan – I am told daily that the EF project will take place – standing outside of that, the charter was for six months, with a possible purchase later, so a start of May would give an end in November, it is the wrong six months, even if it were a less repressed season.

This service needs to be ready to go in March or April at the latest, as for the hundreds of coaches carrying thousands of passengers, do they exist already or are they being pinched ? If not the latter, where are they, Paul Daniels required again ?

Belle – sun just too good to miss, bring on the Rosé wine, heaven…. la belle france !

I have been reading the posts regarding the start up ,or not start up of this so called Euroferries outfit with interest and a great deal of amusement over the past 2 months. I think we can safely say, as so many of your posts have already surmised ……. this is not going to happen for Ramsgate, what with this announcement today from LD lines it seems you have lost out to Dover. If this does prove to be the case I think all their false promises giving false hope has been a kick in the teeth for the residents of Thanet

Mr. Ede taking the wee wee again. And everyone falls for it. Berth improvements, etc etc all the excuses in the book for not having any money! He is now staying clear of Canary islands as Fred Olsen is after him for dragging a reputable companies name into this fiasco.
The vessel would fit the berth. There IS enough water, linkspans do not need altering, Fred Olsen DID want money up front. Bang all comes to a halt!
Lets hope this doesn’t happen again next year and a reputable and serious company looks into it.

In Hope. I’m afraid that is all Mr Ede is a man with big ideas with no money to back it up with. In the past he has tried to con people out of small fortunes to start his own ferry company. Look at his track record, or should I say lack of it. The man is a legend in his own mind and thats where it will stay. Having meet the man I would not trust him with next doors cat and they haven’t got one. It’s about time he stopped thinking he is Gods gift to the ferry industry and just fade away quietly, that way people will not get there hopes up that jobs would be coming to the area.

A good friend of mine who worked for Mr Ede said that he even couldn’t organise a piss up in a brewery…

This says a lot.

Finally guys, youve all woken up and realised that this was never going to happen!

I must admit i got rather bored just commenting the same old ‘nope…nothing happening down here…’ just to be questioned by people listening to the media and all the rumours going around.

But hey, i suppose everyone is entitled to hope, its just a shame it was all in vain…

Paul

On this side of the water the CCI are still saying it is going to happen and that is from the President !!!!!, and not through the media.

Belle

Hi

I know this is getting really boring now, but I just happened to check and I see the BE was moved on Friday from where it has been moored. Either Fred Olsen have given up with EF and will start using it themselves again or it is getting ready to move elsewhere.

Steve

Can you tell me how you know it was moved, it appears to still be moored in Las Palmas (marinetraffic.com), has it just moved within the port ?

Thanks

Belle

It’s okay Steve – I’ve zoomed in, yes she has moved….

LD Lines have flown out three people (one of which is a captain ex Hoverspeed and Speedferries) to Australia over the weekend to pick up the new cat. My information is that BE is going to Sweden in the very near future.

Yup, wonder how long it’ll take to sail from Australia to the UK! berthing trials at Dover in the middle of May then in Boulogne at the end of the month for the new LD cat btw.

I believe that Brittany Ferries took 3 weeks for them to bring their Incat from Australia, but that did of course include the stop in Indonesia to drop off the relief after the tsunami and to pick up a boat damaged in the round the world yacht race.

Steve. The name of the LD Lines cat is Norman Arrow you can track its progress via http://www.marinetraffic.com at present she is still in Tasmania. The craft is going into Portsmouth first to be painted. Then birthing trials, then you have to satisfy the board of trade on evacuation times and safety certificate before she can go anywhere.

You can see its first side painted up on

http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=884618

Who is Robert Maughan ? This is the guy that is going to bring hundreds of coaches to your/my port ? Can’t find him on my searches ….

Euroferries Express Coaches …..

Euroferries is not going to happen, lets get on with something useful, pub any one !

In the absence of any positive news on Euroferries how about discussing the activity currently taking place at Ramsgate harbour to build the new Thanet Wind Farm? We have seen the arrival of the SEA JACK, the floating platform and the supporting vessels. Next we expect the MV RESOLUTION. Anyone know when it is due to arrive?

Also the problem of foreign HGV’s parking on the sea at Western Undercliffe. I see the council have now finally put up some additional signs and parking tickets have been afixed to various lorries but the problem continues. Who should take the lead in enforcing the problem, TDC or the police? Why don’t they use the parking facilities within the port?

James.
Maybe the HGV’s are awaiting the arrival of Euroferries and being on inaugral service. HaHa!!!

I’m probably going to be greeted with hoots of derisive laughter with this, but, there are loads of boats in the marina at Ramsgate, could not one or two owners make trips to France, taking say, ten+ foot passengers or so at a time. A sunny day, a bottle of bubbly, smoked salmon sandwiches. Charging considerably more than a ferry would, but as we have no ferry, there’s no competition. And anyway it would be more akin to the Orient Express rather than an ordinary train journey. I realise there are things like insurance, seaworthiness etc to be complied with, but surely the idea is not insurmountable. Come on you budding entrepreneurs, let’s be having you.

I understand that Roger DeHaan suggested something like this from Folkestone !

Hoots of derision? NO, I like that idea. Dinkirk spirit. The Little Ships in reverse. But… is one of you going to be able to take my Land Rover across? I have 600Km to drive once I hit the beach, I’m gonna look a bit daft trying to do it in my nephew’s pedal car.

from an original article dated 28th April 2009

http://www.aol.es/noticias/story/Fred-Olsen-deja-inactivo-el-Bonanza-Express-y-anuncia-un-expediente-de-regulaci%C3%B3n/8468874/index.html

Original Article:

San Sebastián de La Gomera, 28 abr (EFE).- Fred Olsen informó hoy de que dejará inactivo el catamarán Bonanza Express debido a la evolución negativa del mercado marítimo interinsular de pasajeros, turismos y carga por, y anunció la presentación de un Expediente de Regulación de Empleo (ERE) que afectará a parte de la plantilla del buque.

En un comunicado, la compañía marítima recuerda que el fast ferry Bonanza Express permanecía inactivo desde diciembre de 2008.

Asegura que las líneas marítimas, horarios, conexiones y tarifas actuales de Fred.Olsen Express en Canarias se mantienen y quedan al margen de esta medida.

Señala que el ERE, que ha sido comunicado al Comité Intercentros y representantes de los trabajadores, se presentó la semana pasada, y afectará a parte de la plantilla del barco, en concreto a 43 personas.

Fred Olsen indica que ha analizado diversos escenarios para el Bonanza Express y la conclusión más viable es dejar al mismo en situación de inactividad, afirma.

Concluye que, de este modo, se busca la mejor situación posible para garantizar el futuro de la compañía, reducir el impacto de la crisis económica que afecta a Canarias y mantener así el mayor número de puestos de trabajo posible.

In English:

San Sebastián de La Gomera, April 28 (EFE) .- Fred Olsen reported today that the cease inactive Bonanza Express catamaran due to the negative development of the maritime inter-market passenger cars and freight and announced the filing of a Record Regulation of Employment (ERE) that affect the staffing of the vessel.

In a communique, the shipping company said that the fast ferry Bonanza Express remained inactive since December 2008.

Ensures that the shipping lines, timetables, current fares and connections Fred.Olsen Express and the Canaries remain excluded from this measure.

Indicates that the ERE, which has been communicated to the Committee Intercentros and workers’ representatives, was submitted last week, and will affect the staffing of the boat, specifically to 43 people.

Fred Olsen said that analyzed various scenarios for the Bonanza Express and the most viable is to leave it in idle state, he says.

Concluded that this would be seeking the best possible situation to ensure the future of the company, reducing the impact of the economic crisis affecting the Canaries and keep as many jobs as possible.

In French:

San Sebastián de La Gomera, 28 avril (EFE) .- Fred Olsen a annoncé aujourd’hui que le cessez-le-Bonanza Express catamaran inactifs en raison de l’évolution négative du marché maritime inter-véhicules et de fret et a annoncé le dépôt d’un enregistrement Le règlement de l’emploi (ERE) qui ont une incidence sur les effectifs du navire.

Dans un communiqué, la compagnie maritime a déclaré que le ferry rapide Bonanza Express est resté inactif depuis Décembre 2008.

Veiller à ce que les lignes maritimes, les horaires, les tarifs et les connexions Fred.Olsen Express et les Canaries restent exclus de cette mesure.

Indique que l’ERE, qui a été communiqué à la commission Intercentros et les représentants des travailleurs, a été présenté la semaine dernière, et aura une incidence sur les effectifs de l’embarcation, en particulier pour 43 personnes.

Fred Olsen a déclaré que les divers scénarios analysés pour la Bonanza Express et la plus viable est de le laisser dans l’état de repos, dit-il.

A conclu que ce serait la recherche de la meilleure situation possible pour assurer l’avenir de l’entreprise, la réduction de l’impact de la crise économique des Canaries et de maintenir autant d’emplois que possible.

So that does appear to give a final answer

Regards to all

Belle

Thanks for that Belle.
Does this now mean that people will stop believing in a pipe dream thats ever going to happen??
Oh and btw Belle, i read somewhere that LD Lines 112mtr Incat has arrived??

The “Norman Arrow”is on it’s way at the first port of call Freemantle and or will be sailing for the next port on voyage in the Seychelles for bunkers if all goes well she will be in Dover 24th 25th of this month Fares and sailing schedule on L. D. LINES website

Slight delay on leaving freemantle for “Norman Arrow”minor engine ajustments taking place understandable on the first long leg of the voyage of nearly 12000 miles

Hi Paul

Glad you are there – I am hearing (evesdropping) that the BE will be leaving for Ramsgate, the lay off of staff was to stop running up costs ?????

If this is true maybe you will have more news than me next week.

The ramps were put back on Berth 16 but CCI said that this was at the request of LD Lines…..

Belle

Norman Arrow is on it’s way across the Indian Ocean 1 week to the Seychelles

http://www.canarianweekly.com/localNews2431.html

‘However, on further investigation it transpires that a new ferry company has announced it will begin a cross-Channel service from Kent within weeks.’ dated 7th May 2009

Sounds like they got their reporting a bit mixed up, all of the information they’ve reported was printed before the announcement that Fred Olsen was laying the vessel up, that’s the way I read it anyways?

I have been told that money was paid to FO this week and the boat will be released on Tuesday ……

Mind you this has been said before a few weeks back and nothing happened.

There are still no job adverts, I suspect no-one is willing to move on this until the boat is underway.

its over forget it

Surprise Surprise all washed away before it even got going L.D. Lines super cat is getting nearer it will not be long brfore it arrives in Dover.A week or so.

Heard that Thanet council doesn’t believe in them anymore.
There are no more meetings.

They appear to be back in close contact with TEF as TEF wants to bring some bigger tonnage in the port.

wouldn’t be just great for TEF to allow a certain number of footpassengers and sell as a minicruise , for example £30-40 to include a buffet etc….am sure this could be viable …..?

Dave, you are right, it could be viable, but at the same time, would you as a business man place millions of pounds into a venture that would cost the company a hell of alot to keep running, especially in these uncertain times??

Hi
As said earlier this would appear to have been a kite flying exercise. You get no replys from e-mails and this appeared in Lloyds List this week.

Eagerly awaiting Euroferries

THE saga of the proposed Euroferries fast craft cross-Channel service gets ever more curious.

The company’s website says the service between Ramsgate and Boulogne is due to start imminently and that minor engineering work is being carried out for the selected fast craft, named as the Bonanza Express, at ports to ensure the fastest turnround time for passengers. But there is no sign as yet of the craft arriving at either port.

Boulogne officials also said they had heard nothing from the company, nor were any special engineering works in the offing to receive the craft.

Boulogne hub port director Alain Rousseau said: “We have been hearing about this new cross-Channel service by the company for a number of years but nothing new. Yes, it is a bit of a mystery.”

Hi
The mystery deepens. In todays Gazette is printed a small item stating that TDC has received information that the BE has been painted in EF colours and will arrive on the 27th.

Can anyone confirm this, or has the information come from EF themselves and therefore can be taken to be as not quite true.

Not sure about the livery but leaving around 27th, maybe ….

Please Paul, as you are onsite, are there any signs of works to cater for BE ?

Nothing different here so far, other than the old ramps in place at the request of LD.

looks like you will be getting your ferry afterall …….

That’s nice. Wonder what they’ll do with it…

Just watched Norman Arrow arrive in Boulogne, I waited two hours in the wind and rain, but it was worth it. I don’t know how to upload photos here but I’ve put some on the following:

http://forums.bfenthusiasts.com/showthread.php?p=72559#post72559

Hi
Good to see that the BE has finally arrived in Ramsgate. They managed to squeeze it in under the jetty so it’s not immediatley visible unless you look really hard. The BE that is in Gran Canaria is a decoy and should not be mistaken for the real one in Ramsgate.

Being serious, I think that perhaps TDC should ask for a photo of the ferry in EF livery as it’s been painted, as I’m sure some have been taken for the brochures etc, or perhaps not!

I was assured it was leaving Gran Canaria either yesterday or today, I’ve been in touch with someone in Tenerife to see if they can find out whether the livery has been painted as reported.

Just goes to show that if you have the money there is no delay in delivery, afterall NA has come a long way to get here and EF are still in the planning stages all these months later, the first announcement being in January.

why doesn’t someone start a wseekend ferry service from ramsgate – deal in the summer. i think it would be quite popular, maybe even quicker than driving and more likely to happpen that Euroferries.

Cos there is no market for it and no one would invest money in it, the start up costs for any ferry service are horrendous and in the current climate, no chance.
Is’nt it about time the whole Euroferries thing was put to bed?

Ferries are like planes – they cost a small fortune (well, smaller than planes but still a fortune) and if they’re sitting around they’re not paying for themselves. So there’s no way someone would spend money on a boat to run a service only two days a week.

And these days you can’t just turn a family plesure boat into a ferry – too much H+S regs, would cost a fortune.

Hi, i´m from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Canary Islands and i´m a ferry fan. I´ve travel several times onboard BE, between Gran Canaria (Agaete) and Tenerife (Santa Cruz) and also between Tenerife (Los Cristianos) and La Gomera (San Sebastián). Yesterday, march 4th, BE was docked in Las Palmas with the classic white-yellow livery of Fred. Olsen but with “Euroferries Express” writed in the side.
Reports about this ferry has appear on local press a few days ago, and they are talking about Fred Olsen is waiting for “new bussines options” for BE, but never to come back to Los Cristianos-La Gomera-El Hierro.
That´s all what i can tell. Please, excuse for my poor english level.

March the 4th ! Even in Spanish difficult to confuse Junio with Marzo !

Victor, are you pulling our leg ?

Although, CCI Boulogne sources say boat is painted and just one signature from TDC is required ……. maybe that ’signature’ has fallen by the wayside, but what does it have to do with the charter ?

Message to Paul.
Seems your fleet will be missing one ferry very soon. The Primrose is going on a charter to the Med.
Any chance of us seeing a replacement very soon? The old Sally Star have been going nowhere since the beginning of January so has some of the Seafrance fleet…

Ehh, in spanish, in english and in chinese. Sorry for the mistake, of course i was talking about June 4th. I found this web when i was searching about BE and there is a lot of information. If there are more thigs to tell about this, i will write it here.

Victor, sorry if I caused offence, so many ifs, buts and maybes surround this project.

Can you clarify if the ‘Fred.Olsen’ has been painted over with ‘Euroferries’ ?

So, it should read ‘Euroferries Express’……

Hi Belle. There is no offence, i the difficult to express myself in another language.

Talking about BE, it´s exactly what yo understand. The BE is painted like it was with Fred Olsen Express, but instead “Fred Olsen” you can read Euroferries. So, it should read “Euroferries Express”. In fact, “Express” is written whit the same kind of typography. It reveals that the only work of painting was to substite “Fred Olsen” for “Euroferries”.

I hope that in this time will not be more misunderstandings

Thanks Victor, let us know when she departs for the UK ! Any chance of a photo ?

http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/ramsgate/Ramsgate-s-new-ferry-step-closer/article-1070067-detail/article.html

oh my god, this looks too good to be true. i’m lanning to get a Boulougne ferry inlate July. I might haveto hold off booking LD Line if this is going to happen.

After reading this article I think this secret place should be the Bermuda triangle.
She is still at LAS PALMAS…

Pete

Take a ride on Norman arrow – I came across Monday, brilliant! Just loved the newness and her overall look !

Lets be realistic about BE, if it were now going ahead there would be at least three weeks to get the onshore staff and support up and running, probably longer.

Tried to enlarge the photo to get a feel for it, but afterall Victor said it had been painted and Ladyman had a helper to photo it – then again he’s a polititian, what does he know about truth ?

Have photo pictures of the alledged BE repaint. My son who is curently on contract to Fujitsu earning an arm and a leg informs me that these pictures have been PHOTO-SHOPPED. I must agree there is something about them that does not ring true.

Still no sign of the new ferry and it now looks like were losing the Primrose from Trans Europa Ferries as well. boooo! I love that boat it has a great deck area
http://eastcliffrichard.blogspot.com/2009/06/ferry-sad-news.html

Ask the powers that be what the tie up with EFL and London Array is ?

Hi all,

The BE is still in Las Palmas, and you can find it at this web site http://www.localizatodo.com/ (for those people that not understand spanish, the name of the web means “find everythign”)

Asking to Belle, i hope this week i can take a photo to show you the re-painting of BE, but i have some news to tell and i think that is not a good new for you.

Fred Olsen made the anual refiting of fast-ferry Bencomo Express this week. She is in the Agaete – Santa Cruz service with the Bentago Express, and during the refiting the service was taken only for one ship. I asked some people why didn´t take the Bonanza to replace, and talk me about the Bonanza is “absolutely dissactivated” or something similar. There is no crew neither all the things neccesary to sail (in spanish, “está desarmado”)

Finally, asking to Lord Lucan, i think so about the “photo-shopped” because the only photo i´ve seen of BE re-painted is excatly like the first commercial photo of BE by Fred Olsen in 1999 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

There is a photo of the ‘Euroferries Express’ in today’s Thanet Times newspaper. It is a new photo with the ship in a berth and it ha sthe new logo. It does look like an original photo.

http://thanetpress.blogspot.com/2009/06/euroferries.html

Victor, where are these photos taken ?

Hi,

I think that I have not to go to take any photo hehe, this photos are in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This is the Santa Catalina dock and is what i want to take to show you.

The first comment on the post explain the situation of the ship. If i have more news, i will write here.

Victor,

The Marine Traffic site shows BE in Puerto de la Luz, can you explain where Santa Catalina Dock is in relation to this ? I can’t find it …..

Oh sorry, Santa Catalina is a part of “El Puerto de la Luz y de Las Palmas” (of couse, the name of the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria). Is the place where the cruises use to berth.

I thought that it appears on google maps but I was wrong. In fact, if you use google earth, this dock is just where “Puerto de la luz” appears.

Muchas gracias, Victor!

Belle. Google search marine traffic. First on the list is live ships. This site gives you known postions of craft and last known positions. Click on the blue square opposite Algeria find Grand Canaria what for about 30 seconds. Click on the drop down box (Go to vessel) highlight Bonanza Express, this will give you the exact and latest location of the vessel. Good luck.

Nope, still moored in Las Palmas De Gran Canaria…c’mon guys, you’re all, surely clever people! Just face it, this is, sorry was, never going to happen.

Btw sorry for the ‘no show’ as of late, have been living i up in
Aachen, courtesy of my redundany packet from TEF!

Paul !

You lost your job ! Hey, Euroferries are going to start ‘imminently’, give them a call ! Although they are still saying this side of the channel that it will start.

More seriously, what are you going to do now ? LD Lines are talking about chartering another large cat.

Lord Lucan, the marine traffic site goes back to March thanks to Steve:

Steve Mar 14th, 2009 at 11:21 pm Hi
On the 4th of March the Bonanza Express was out of the water on the dock.
http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/showallphotos.aspx?mmsi=224768000#top_photo

It would appear that work is going on to repaint it.

Steve

Yes, unfortunantely Belle, there have been 11 job losses in total, through staff leaving/being made redundant.
Haha well, I would Belle, as soon as the website gets updated and we actually see a photo of BE that hasn’t been photoshopped! Oh and when the BE leaves Gran Canaria! lol.

I’ve allready spoke with LD regarding possible employment, the gentleman i spoke to at Dover seemed very interseted in my experience and shipping certificates…so watch this space, I may just be popping up on your side of the channel!!

Brilliant ! Glad to have some positive news of you !

I was aboard the ‘inauguration’ of the Norman Arrow, my return journey from the UK, fortunate enough to know people, if you get my drift.

There was talk of EF, LD are not happy about it, from the French side, not surprised as they are putting a great deal of investment into the current project. Also it is said that there will be a July start and a second boat in October for said company. In truth nobody understands the whats, wheres and hows, least of all believes any of the hype, March, April, May start dates nothing…

Does anyone from TDC know what is going on ? Is there something amiss there ?

More questions than answers …..

The CFDT, about 100, of SeaFrance tried to block access to the Gare Maritime yesterday, with the usual tyre fires, though more troubling was that they were throwing detonators at the LD LInes staff, they are against the advent of LD Lines on the channel short crossings. It lasted about four hours, one of the demonstrators was hauled in front of the commisseriat on suspicion of graffitti.

Belle
Yes Live ships shows the last known Movement of BE. If and when it moves it will show its on the move and its destination. It updates live every 2 minutes. Try and click on the Dover area and go as last time, to Norman Arrow which is moving and it will give you a course plot. If a ship or vessel does not move there is nothing to plot. Hence it shows BE as March. As soon as it starts moving it will show position and destination. Will be over to our house in Etaples mid July cannot wait to come home.

Lord Lucan,

I know Etaples quite well, you say home, so are you a ‘half-breed’ or an English abroad ?

I have to go to UK often and prefer to be here, in France, my adoptive home.

I’ve been watching with interest the Marine Traffic site, that was how I was able to be on the cliffs at Moulin Wibert between Boulogne and Wimereux to see the Norman Arrow come up the Channel on her arrival, there were a few of us there, she passed in the distance, visible by her box shape and ‘tail’.

Already done the trip over and back, great fun.

Belle
Great grand mother came from Paris. Arrived in England and became a famous musical hall star way, way back. When I come over to the house I feel so at home. When I leave to come back to England I have tears in my eyes, because I feel that I am leaving the place where I belong. In answer to your question I suppose I’m a quarter breed, but I still feel so comfortable in France. The French people are so friendly and helpful. I hope in the very near future to call it my permenant home.

Lord Lucan,

What a wonderful story !

Maybe you would like to pass your sentiments about the French onto the Daily Mail, it winds me up the way they portray them in print.

I have never had a problem, kind, charming and helpful, it is the British that settle here that are often snobby and spiteful and worse don’t bother to learn the language, now that is annoying ….

Have a good day, a beautiful sunny morning here and I’ll be in Etaples today to do some shopping, so I’ll say ‘bonjour’ to the town for you !

Nothing new on EF …..

Well just booked my ticket to Boulougne on the Norman Arrow with LD.
Euroferries had their chance to take my business.

Pete,

I assure you that this new boat is wonderful, go to the rear and enjoy the view !

Maybe our host could let me know how to post some photos ?

Belle

best way to do photos is to upload them to photobucket and give a url link to them here

Pete that’s probably the easiest way to do it. Will enjoy seeing some photos, and may even be tempted in making my own crossing now that Euroferries is a no go.

This is a trial …..

Didn’t copy from photobucket …..

on photobucket your photo will have an HTM Tag and URL – cut and poast the url (web address on to the blog) eg.
http://www.egyptsaidso.com/wp-content/uploader/2008/12/michael_jackson.jpg

Belle
I have some pictures of the new link span being towed into Boulogne and being installed. Are they being installed at the western side near the sea wall, where the new ro-ro port is being built? Will send them to you if you let me have your email addy.

Surely on the western side of the sea wall one finds… the sea!

I’ve just booked on an LD ro-ro so will be in town next week, will take a look…

Wanted to try the shiney new bigIncat but their timetables don’t marry well with mine.

Ccomley. The west side of the harbour inside the sea wall. I would have thought that was apparent. If you look at the plan of the new harbour you would know what I am talking about.Rather than making stupid comments. The west side of the sea wall is the old hover port. Totally unsuitable because of the depth of water even for a cat.

http://www.portboulogne.com/commercial-port/projects.html

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm%3Fid%3D110652&prev=hp

Pass there everyday, have tried the photobucket without success, try again when I have more time …..

and this ….. http://www.lavoixdunord.fr/Locales/Boulogne_sur_Mer/actualite/Secteur_Boulogne_sur_Mer/2009/06/30/article_le-catamaran-provoque-une-vague-de-fraye.shtml

just goes to show you can’t please all of the people all of the time, it is in French, if needed copy into google translate, I had a laugh I loved the ‘wave’ that came on the beach in Wimereux when Speed One passed by! Highlight of the day, well that and unexploded bombs, ‘get out of the sea’ I thought I was in a scene from Jaws ! The beach fell silent, all boats were told to get out of the area ….. I have a photo of that too !

Do you want some gossip regarding Euroferries ?

YES PLEASE!

Well…. folds arms under breasts, puckers lips and starts to pull faces over garden fence …… raised eyebrow …..

Another company has been refused use of Berth 16 because it is set aside for EF, who have crew and intend to set up the working, bookings on French soil as opposed to Ramsgate.

There is a signature missing from the documentation in TDC, this is delaying the release of the BE, the further delay is because they have decided to wait until LD move out to the new ramp, the date of which is sometime in the next couple of weeks. Was due to be the 1st, speculation is the 7th, I’d add a bit, although the works at the port have moved on incredibly, booths in place, area secured, looked like the security building has been finished. Very impressive, oh oh here comes the Calais lot setting fire to the newly laid roads.

They are expecting near capacity on every sailing …. (that alone means they will be pinching business from elsewhere – how long before the aforesaid Calaisians (CFDT Union) are throwing detonators at EF staff ?)

Now, this is GOSSIP and sometimes things do get lost in translation !

One more thing, the BE runs on a fuel much cheaper than the usual – being cynical I wondered if this was fresh air ! Or maybe hot air ?

Why is my previous post ‘Your comment is awaiting moderation’, have I offended someone ?

Ooooooo Hot gossip Belle, good work!

Pardon my ignorance, is TDC – Thanet District Council?

Nifty gossip – noted comments about road ripping-up, as if the french would ever resort to spoiler tactics!!!

Careful with the arm folding and fence-leaning, tho, you’re starting to sound a LOT like a sketch in a Les Dawson show…

My two-penny-worth, this week LD Lines announced they’re pulling out their Dieppe service. they don’t say why, or what they’re planning to do with the spare boat capacity but one wonders if that means LD will be doing More Boulogne sailings…

Comley you are spot on ! It has already stopped as of Monday. An extra freight sailing is what I hear ….

Didn’t you just love Les Dawson ? Wish I had the proper apron on, you know the tabard type ….

Thanet District Council, yes Daniel, although I struggle to understand why a TDC signature is needed to release the BE on charter. Anyone got any ideas ?

Ahah!!!

And the plot thikens!!

Thanks for the update Belle.
I know that ‘a good magician keeps his tricks a secret’ as the saying goes.
But where, if i may be so intrusive, did this gossip come from?
Was it officials or just locals in the pub?

Who says the officials and the locals in the pub are mutually exclusive groups?

comley is about right, but I couldn’t possibly tell you which bar near the port.

haha, well, what can i say?
old pessimistic views die hard..
and what with LD axeing their Dover/Dieppe service, things arent (nor have they ever) looking good for EF!!
Sorry to blowc the candles out on you cake guys, but lets get real!!

any news anyone?

Apart from not enough money …..

This whole thread is just speculation, when was any concrete info fothcoming from the people in the know ie from the company or Thanet council ! ? none for months, a few dodgy photos of a ship in Tenerife and some wishful thinking will not bring this pie in the sky ferry service in to operation.
Summer holidays start this week, so this non story can be put to bed till next year, they really have missed the boat ! .

Well I give up on this thread til it has some real info in – just a note to say we came home on the Norman Arrow (LD Lines shiney new Incat) last night and it’s very nice indeed.

That’s the point there isn’t any info …… agree about NA and EF don’t have the ‘argent’. Nor me, hey ho !

LD will be operating out of new terminal from 3rd August, so if EF get their act and finances together Berth 13&16 will be ready to accept their arrival, rhetorically I throw down the gauntlet, Staehr, Ede, Donnert, Gillan, Maughan, Reed, prove all us doubters wrong ….

Can’t find BE tonight ……

the be left port at 11-43(utc)17.4kn/ course 288 looks like she heading to santa cruz de tenerife way

Bad news for you all, BE is now berthed in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and as you can see in the link below, Euroferries has been deleted from the sides of the ship.

I think that the information in the link is old, bat the photos are recent. I will keep you informed.

http://sergiocruises.blogspot.com/2009/07/hsc-bonanza-nova-actividade.html

Just looked and the BE is not in Santa Cruz. It also says that the BE is out of range and that the last known position was recieved over a 24 hours ago….

Paul

The link by Victor seems to explain it ….. although I see that Speedone on BF site, says possible August start, have been away so not heard any other info.

Norman Arrow has done a trial into the new terminal, will be permanent as of 3rd August.

Hi
Obviously there is an area between the islands that has links to Bermuda and ships just vanish in mid-channel, which is what appears to have happened to the BE, looking at the tracking thingy, or perhaps Mr Ede has hidden it in his garage to stop people taking photographs.
As has been said before it would seem that this is never going to happen (well with EF).
I would just like to say that we already have a good ferry company from Ramsgate and whenever I go abroad I always use TEF, it may be slow but the service is great and the crew are always helpful and it’s so peaceful onboard, although I’m sure people have different ideas.

Here is a new link for you to play with:

http://www.localizatodo.com/?zoom=10&latitud=28.31760&longitud=-15.8440&pais=es&tipo=3&presenta=0&mmsi=224768000&year=2009&mes=7&dia=21

Shows where Bonanza Express is, beside the pier in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Belle, just been on the link you posted.
The BE is there, but, she seems to be moving 360degree circles by the pier. Although shes showing 0 knotts…

Maybe Fred Olsen don’t have to pay if she drops anchor off the pier ?

If you recall, she was also moving around a great deal in Las Palmas …

I found this site through one of the Thanet Blogs, but I can’t find it again, often like that with the French computer. You will probably do better, there was also a paragraph about the move there.

Yeah, true, I forgot about that.
I dont think she is at anchor, there are other ships on there that are and they’ve got little symbols at the front.
Did you oh, well I shall have a look through and see if I can find anything.
I notice that EF’s website still has not been updated.
It’s still saying that the service will start ‘imminently’.
Any news from your side Belle?
Or have Boulogne finally given up believing??

Paul – seems to be given up, I never believed in the long term project even if it had started, the sad part is that the monstrosity of the Gare Maritime will be left empty. The ex-mayor and deputy Guy Lengagne thinks it is an historical monument and should be preserved ! The seagulls and cormorants love it, great place to dry their wings ….

I understand that Euroferries raise their heads from the seas every two years …. see you in 2011 !

Good evening,

I am an employee of the Fred Olsen ships S.A. What is discussed here, which is still in negotiations with euroferris. It seems that Friday morning will make a press conference in the UK and Euroferrys Fred Olsen. The problem is bureaucracy at the port of Ramsgate.

Good bye

Manuel

Hello Manuel!
Could you shed some light as to why the Bonanza Express has moved berth from Las Palmas De Gran Canaria to Santa Cruz De Tenerife??

Thanks

Major Euroferries announcement due at Ramsgate port

by Martin Jefferies

A major announcement on the future of the Port of Ramsgate will be made this afternoon.

Officials have kept the content of today’s press conference secret but the KM Group believes there could be an update on a planned high-speed ferry service to Boulogne.

Euroferries were due to launch the new cross channel route in March but it was delayed when the firm discovered that its new ‘Bonanza Express’ vessel was unable to dock in Ramsgate.

The 96-metre ‘Incat’ catamaran has since spent time berthed in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa.

Although the future of the service seemed uncertain, Thanet Extra reported in June that behind-the-scenes work was still continuing.

At the time, Dr Stephen Ladyman, the MP for South Thanet who helped clinch the deal, said: “I can’t say too much because although they’ve been kind enough to keep me informed of any developments, there’s a confidentiality agreement in place which, were I to breach it, could bring the whole scheme crashing down.

“Euroferries should be able to talk more publicly about their plans in the very near future.”

• Follow today’s announcement as it happens on Twitter (www.twitter.com/ThanetExtra), kmfm (107.2FM in Thanet) and online (www.thanetextra.co.uk)

I just saw this news on the website Euroferries

Euroferries high speed cross channel service between Port of Ramsgate, Kent and the French Port of Boulogne-Sur-Mer.

An announcement will be made after 3PM today.
31/07/09

Speedone

Taken from Euroferries’ website:

NEWS RELEASE

Boulogne and Ramsgate Fast ferry Service

EUROFERRIES announces today it will commence its planned Fast Cross Channel Passenger Ferry Service between the ports of Boulogne & Ramsgate during August.

EUROFERRIES recently announced fast ferry services will operate from its two dedicated ferry terminals located within the ports of Boulogne and Ramsgate and have now signed agreements with both Ports.

The fast ferry the “Bonanza Express” will be operated by Euroferries in conjunction with its partner, FRED OLSEN who over the years has developed its highly regarded fast ferry service.

EUROFERRIES initial service, commencing late August will comprise of 5 daily crossings, with Bonanza Express an Incat 96m with a capacity of 146 first class and 570 additional passengers, carrying a combination of cars and luxury coaches. Capable of an operational speed of 38 knots it enables the channel crossing to be completed in a time that favourably competes port to port with the Channel Tunnel crossing time.

A second vessel will join the Bonanza Express service increasing passenger capacity and will also carry a combination of cars and luxury coaches.

EUROFERRIES are responding positively to passenger demand for a fast, efficient and friendly crossing, combined with the use of comfortable seating and attentive cabin crew providing an “in-seat” shopping service. The latest internet technology will further improve our customer experience bringing further added value customer benefits.

Euroferries Chairman, Per Staehr today said : “Euroferries signing of this Agreement with Thanet District Council enables us to look forward to building a long term relationship with the local community. Our new five crossing a day high speed service, will be focused on tourist traffic and takes full advantage of the new motorways both to Ramsgate and Boulogne along with the fast turn round terminal facilities within both Ports.

This agreement permits us to shortly announce the release of the new web booking service, further details and the provision of our new commuter coach service between London’s Stratford Hub and Ramsgate serving Canterbury and the Medway towns. Whilst, today is Thanet District Council’s special occasion, we are delighted to attend and to welcome our partner Fred Olsen. The impending arrival of Bonanza Express, Incat 96m in its new Euroferries livery will provide the opportunity for Euroferries to welcome you when we will make further announcements.”

Further announcements will be forthcoming in the near future including Euroferries partners, ferry services, timetable, pricing and booking arrangements in addition to further announcements regarding the introduction of Euroferries commuter coach service between London and Ramsgate.

END
31/07/09

‘ A new high speed ferry service linking Ramsgate to the French port of Boulogne will start later this year, it has been confirmed.

Euroferries’ long awaited arrival was confirmed at a press conference at the Port of Ramsgate this afternoon.

A new catamaran is expected to make its first cross channel sailing in September.

Thanet council officials, who attended today’s announcement alongside Euroferries bosses, said they were “thrilled” by the agreement.

Dr Stephen Ladyman, the MP for South Thanet, added: “Euroferries’ arrival could bring many jobs and plenty of tourism and provide a boost to the local economy.

“It’s always been my wish that we could secure a new service from Ramsgate that would guarantee the future of the port.

“The two ferry services that we now have, coupled with the offshore wind farm projects, should ensure this facility soon starts making money for local people.”

TransEuropa Ferries, previously the port’s only ferry operator, already runs several daily trips between Ramsgate and Ostend.

More to follow.’

From Kentonline, says SEPTEMBER start ……. haven’t we been here before ?

Is there a dedicated passenger terminal in place in Ramsgate ?

There could be in Boulogne when LD quit Berth 13 and the monstrosity of that is the Gare Maritime, although this has been delayed until after the 15th September or possibly into October.

Unless of course they are willing to share …. I’ll find out what agreement is in place with LD.

By the way did you know that the Bonanza Express is the oldest fast craft in the Fred Olsen HSC fleet, hardly state of the art when built in 1999, is it really going to have the fab new look of LD Lines Norman Arrow?

Belle, as i have stated before, there is not a dedicated ‘full terminal’ building, TransEuropa use the check-in hall, but the rest te terminal is empty and would see only EuroFerries using it.

Adem…sorry my friend, but I beat you to that press statement! lol

Sorry, my keyboard is playing up, that should read: ‘The rest of the Terminal…’

So, they would have to share …. same initially here.

I just commented elsewhere, all the ‘reports’ are via Press Releases, we need some proper journalism where someone tells us what went on and what questions were posed ? oh, and the answers !

Haha yeah, thats true, I actually popped down to the port and caught a glimpse of some men in suits making their way out of the meeting. They were expecting to have approximately 30 people in attendance…the final figure was jut over 15…thats doesn’t exactly bode well, butey, lets wait and see!!

…’but hey lets wait and see!!

I know one of the guys that was a suit ! Might get more info over the weekend …

Well if you can Belle that would be great. Could you perhaps ask about recruitment? As this is something that still has not been openly discussed…

Just saw the BBC South East news, will create 24 jobs approx….. which is similar to my estimation on this side.

I’ll try to find out a contact for you, on the French side the woman in charge of passengers for LD has not had her contract extended, I wonder if she will go to EF ?

At least the BBC did a bit of comment regarding scepticism, we wait …

Belle,

Do you mean Mrs Pascale Vernieuwe?

Hope you get the job Paul.
Hearing its going wrong big time at your former job with some expensive stuff stolen from the port…

Ruben, I understand that to be the case. Pretty lady isn’t she ?

Should the line take place can I put a word to those applying for a job: if you have one, unless you are willing to lose a secure postion, don’t go for it. Leave it to those without work as they are not in a losing position. There is a story but I can’t say.

Amongst LD staffing there have been contracts not made permanent….

Thankyou Ruben, If they do get running I would hope that my experience at the port would put me in good stead, as I know how the port operates.
Oh realy? Well, unless someone has stolen one of the ships, TEF don’t haveanything of value at Ramsgate (and that could also include certain members of staff! lol).

Oh come on Belle, don’t just leave us hanging here! Please tell?

Thankyou Ruben, I’m hoping that this will get off the ground this time, I know its late comming; but it seems to keep looking better.

Oh really?? Well unless someone has stolen one of the ships then TransEuropa don’t have anything of great value (some staff included! lol).

Please Belle! Don’t tantalise us with snippets and leave us guessing!

I’m not supprised that the contracts are only temporary, as like P&O the majority of their staff are agency based…

Sorry for the double posting, well, now triple.
For some reason my post wasn’t showing.

Sorry Paul, for the moment I can’t.

This taken from another blog:

“Seems Transeuropa bosses are steaming.
Thanet council will invest £1 million in the port to refurbish the old Holyman-Sally building and infrastructure.

This while TDC promised Transeuropa they would be the only passenger operator in the port. Seems EF will also pay very little port taxes.
Heard that Transeuropa is looking to move to Dover. They are furious…”

I am aware that LD Lines have not been happy bunnies for a long time.

If LD pull out of Boulogne, the new Terminal is a complete waste of money and so many companies are selling this ‘doorstep’ to the UK. Calais are against the project and have already shown their talons, next year the two towns/ports combine under one CCI, what then ?

I will repeat here as I have said elsewhere, why are the two ports so determined to enter into a contract with a new company without any substance of proven and profitable activity , would it not be better to cosset the existing ? I fear that pockets are being lined ….

Yes Belle I saw that aswell.

Personally I can’t see TEF doing that though. They would need more staff (recently cut), would pay more port fees, more in fuel as the crossing would be longer. And to stay in contention with the other operators, larger ships…all this at a time when they are trying to save money just to stay afloat??

Can’t find the BE at the moment, any ideas??

try this :

http://www.localizatodo.com/?zoom=10&latitud=28.31760&longitud=-15.8440&pais=es&tipo=3&presenta=0&mmsi=224768000&year=2009&mes=7&dia=21

as of 10 minutes ago in Santa Cruz, it is quite slow in initializing so give it a few seconds

Yeah got it now, went on your old link and it was only showing 3 ships in Santa Cruz…the service might have gone down temporarily.

So it is Mrs Vernieuwe. Don’t know her personally but her name often pops up with companies who went bust.
Such as Sally,Holyman-Sally and Speedferries.
Don’t know if she ever worked for Hoverspeed…

So Belle spill the beans. What do you know of LD lines?
Could we see a withdrawel of their fast ferry in 2010?

Think you’ll find that LD are looking for another fast ferry for Dover-Boulogne

The report actually says that its a new build, bigger than NA from the same dockyard in Tasmania. On one of my crossings there was a guy being interviewed from the said dockyards, he intimated, in June, that this was the case.

No further news as yet re: EF ….

Forgot to mention, in Lloyds List today Pierre Fa, boss of SeaFrance is quoted as saying:

SeaFrance boss warns of bankruptcy risk
Andrew Spurrier, Paris – vendredi 31 juillet 2009

“SEAFRANCE chief executive Pierre Fa has warned that the Dover Strait ferry company risks having to file for bankruptcy if management and unions do not reach agreement quickly on a rescue plan.

The company, which first announced a rescue plan involving 650 redundancies in February, has still to complete negotiations with unions at the company on…”

Has there been any news of the Press Conference that took plce in the International Hotel with Ladyman after the small one at the port on Friday ?

Hmm.

Incat’s website lists nothing larger than teh 112m hull – of which the latest boat listed is the Norman Arrow. HOWEVER that’s been out of the yard some months now and one assumes they’ll have started work on something new…? I dunno, do they just keep knocking them out one at a time and hope to find a customer (they seem popular enough boats and the 112m is *streets* ahead of the earlier models) or do they sit idle until someone phones up and orders one?

If they were working on something bigger than the 112m I’m sure they’d have mentioned it on the website – NA’s production was shown on the site for months prior to its completion and sea tests…

Maybe a year in advance of someone taking it on, I believe the NA is chartered from a company in the UK – I did find the name, their background is plane charter and have moved into shipping with about a dozen craft. I seem to recall the company originates in Ireland.

As for the news on EF ….. a lot of parading and no substance, there is no start date or timetable ….

“27 Apr 2009 … Revolutionary New Fast Ferry For Dover – Boulogne Route … Incat 112 metre / Hull 066. The vessel has been specifically built for the European market by Incat for MGC Chartering an Irish based leasing company providing a wide range … Builder: Incat Tasmania Pty Ltd Length overall: 112.60 metres; …”

The Fred Olsen representative was a Mr John Murphy, Chairman of SIBLU …… I am told he had nothing to say.

Hi
I dare say you have read this from ‘The Connexion’ The interesting part is Boulogne-sur-mer don’t seem to be able to confirm an agreement!

“Euroferries set to start September 1
August 04, 2009
EUROFERRIES has announced their Ramsgate to Boulogne high-speed ferry service will begin from the start of September.

The firm has issued a press release stating its service will begin on September 1.

However, as yet there is no information as to how to get tickets and the Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer is unable to confirm an agreement has been reached or a start date set.

Kent MP Steven Ladyman called the announcement “great news.”

He said: “It has taken a lot of work by a lot of people to get the project this far so we now just have to keep our fingers crossed until September 1.”

According to Euroferries they will be starting five crossings a day with the 96m fast ferry Bonanza Express, in partnership with the Norwegian shipping company Fred Olsen. It will carry cars and coaches.

Capable of 38 knots, the ship is able to cross in a time that competes favourably with using the Channel Tunnel, the firm says. They hope to add a second vessel to the route in the future.

Euroferries originally said they would launch at the end of March.

September the 1st ! Not what I hear, add a bit and then a big bit and even then some …….

Ramsgate people have been in Boulogne today, lovely day it was too, no further info …..

I am confused, going back a while through the comments, it was stated that the prblem was Ramsgate. That the contracts were signed, done and dusted in Boulogne…
So what has changed since then?
I mean surely the contracts don’t have a ‘Start by date’??
And also, why would Fred. Olsen send a gentleman from a holiday chalet firm to represent them at a confrence regarding the shipping industry??

I was also under the impression that all was signed with Boulogne back in February, that would not seem to have been the case …. it looks like a principal was agreed, Irecall the secrecy going on as CCI Boulogne didn’t want LD Lines who were just starting to get wind of it.

As of yesterday the CCI Boulogne had ‘no comment’ and todays report in La Voix du Nord :”Cependant, du côté de la chambre de commerce, on continue à rester prudent. « Des commentaires seraient prématurés, estime son président, Francis Leroy, tout en espérant que « ce sera suivi d’effets ». ”

In English “However, the side of the chamber of commerce, continues to remain cautious. “Some comments may be premature, said its chairman, Francis Leroy, hoping that this will be followed up.”

The article is written by Frederic Vaillant, a respected journalist, go to lavoixdunord website, Boulogne edition.

Is Dr Ladyman likely to be re-elected in the General Election ?

Oh, and by the way, Per Staehr (see his listings in Forbes.com) really had no idea what was going on when questioned on Friday !

As for the Fred Olsen representative, this is a mystery, but nevertheless a very true statement on my part.

…. and now it is all up to you I’m off on my holidays …… will be interested to see the goings on when I return !

Well it’s been two weeks now and no sign of anything happening and the BE still appears to be far away. Surely by now things would have happened and the ferry would have been here for berthing trials etc. Seems like another attempt to perhaps raise capital of the back of the press release.

Just having a look at what’s going on …. I see not much !

I have just received a copy of the Isle of Thanet Gazette, completely opposite to the Press Conference/Release of the 31st July !

I can’t find a link so I’ll copy and paste

From Isle of Thanet Gazette last week, dated 7th August as yet not on line, final statements ….

“Ramsgate port boss Dominic Evans went to meet Boulogne’s director of port development, Bruno Nicaise, on Tuesday. He said “The meeting went very well. Logistically a lot is down to Euroferries but we will supply the port and security. We anticipate a lot of traffic will be from the EU. UK BOrder Control will be based in Boulogne so traffic will have to go through them before reaching Ramsgate. Euroferries’ transport model is based on carrying 10 coaches and 150 cars and because it’s a fast craft passengers will be processed very quickly. The boat will be moored in Boulogne at night but once the Sea Jack has finished working on the wind farm it will be possible to moor another ferry here. The service and pilot must make 12 trips each way to get their port licence.”

Mr Maughan said “The website is ready to go live, but we won’t launch it until we know for certain that we can hit the lauch date. The site will go up at the same time the ferry comes to Ramsgate – we just have to wait for the clearance before it can come here. What I love about Boulogne is that you can walk from the port to the town in 10 minutes – so you don’t have to take a car.”

Mr Staehr said there are no extra perks or discounts planned for residents in Thanet but it’s comforting to know that passenger’s money will be protected should Euroferries go belly-up.

Dr Ladyman said “Money will be put into a trust until the passenger completes their journey. If things went pear-shaped then the money would be there to re-imburse the customer.”

Is this true ? Have any of you seen the newspaper ?

Sorry, the ‘clearance’ is from the Spanish government ….

The arrival of the Ramsgate to Boulogne ferry sounded as though it was about to happen but you get the feeling things have gone a bit cold. There feels like another delay. I contacted the Company via the contact email given on the website but have received no reply. Was hoping to book for early September but may need to go elsewhere which is a shame.

Hi
The BE seems to have moved within Santa Cruz and is no longer moored by the pier, so are they preparing to move her here or elsewhere.

Hey Steve, just had a ganders, the BE is is not even in Santa Cruz, can’t find a link to any other AIS sites that have her listed…

She’s entering Las Palmas right now !!!!!

http://www.localizatodo.com/

…and she’s back on Marine Traffic, maybe to be re-painted and pick up crew …….

well she’s now moored in the dry dock area so i would imagaine a repaint would be a fairly good bet.

The BE appears to be leaving Gran Canaria at this moment (11:40) Be interesting to see where she is heading.

Seems to be heading back to Santa Cruz.

So, she is back in Santa Cruz, now I am still on my holidays but it is raining so thought I’d go digging …..

It’s all about photos and timing, let’s start with Ladyman’s ‘helper’, photo released on the 11th June, showing the left side (looking at her from the front) painted up with Euroferries Express in Las Palmas.

Then I have found a photo courtesy of http://www.camionesclasicos.com dated 26th June, with the right side unpainted …. whilst in the same spot in Las Palmas.

Then 21st July, in Santa Cruz, right side unpainted. Same on the 26th July….

And finally, 6th August or before showing her in Tenerife and the left side logo whitened out.

I have looked closely at all the right side photos and can’t find any trace of the logo, unlike that of the 6th August.

I suggest that only one side of the vessel was painted when the convenient photo was taken.

And a final bit of google translation for you from the site mentioned above.

“In the end, the catamaran that ran aground, was repaired and is now moored in the port out of service and the name of the ship cleared. ”

“Y. .. what happened to him? Have sold”

” do not know, takes quite a while moored there”

“Hello everyone

Good catch Bonanza, Toni

attempts to explain the reason for the tie,Isaac, Express Bonanza, Toni after the crash at the end of this year catamaran, speed would be low since the end of the year when Fred Olsen had planned to remove their services, remember that this is in catamaran service since 1999, casi10 years, which is the estimated time of service for this type of craft and the high cost manteniminto, instead was recruited to the line of La Gomera on Benchi-express is also a catamaran but rather small 40 meters in length, and reaches about 33 knots of speed, lack of storage for the transport of vehicles and has a capacity for about 270 passengers, this was the express Benchi-EX-Garajonai was making this trip to Gomera Los Cristianos-OTHER to join the inner springs of the island as a beach Gomera Santiago, Valle Gran Rey, San Sebastian and returns to dock by Christians, the company took time Garajonai Express since 2002 performing this service, the temporary holding of crisis to be became unbearable so they decided to draw that line contest and “ nuevo”Benchi shared dock with Benchijigua EXPESS, the elder brother of these catamarans. ”

A bit poor translation but I am sure you will understand it’s sentiment, I also read that the locals in Tenerife say that there is a problem with the engine.

just to be sure – my ‘left’ described is the right side of the boat (starboard) and ‘right’ is the left side (port) looking forward ….

Hi

It was mentioned 2 or 3 months ago that they had replaced the drive train perhaps that’s what the locals are referring to. It would appear though that we are back to the same old story and can we look forward to another press conference in 2010 saying they are about to start?

Is there anyone foolish enough to cross the Dover Straights diagonally on an old HSC that couldn’t perform to its best, been damaged by an engine failure and run aground, then described as being prone to maintainance problems and too old for the calmer waters of the Canaries? This ferry is being described as state of the art, well it was in 1999!

And the less important point is, are we being conned by the helpers photo, with just one side of the craft painted for convenience? I note that Ladyman makes no comment regarding the photos since this, oh and in passing, have the berthing problems in both ports been sorted out ? Afterall Dr Ladyman you said thy told you it didn’t fit in either port, nothing changed this side has anything in Ramsgate ?

Cher Paul, I know you will say, again, no change ….

Hoping the sun is out again tomorrow so I can walk away from the computer !

Just seen a video, it shows the BE in Santa Cruz on the 1st of August without any of Euroferries markings and this the day after the press release. I know it has been back to Las Palmas since then so trying to get some more info.

Nothing going on at Ramsgate, no work appears to be being done either on the linkspan or terminal.