From the look of these photos sent in by one of my readers (taken at 1:20pm today) it does look like there are some things going on down at the port of Ramsgate to suggest that it is getting ready for Euroferries to start their service. New check-in/security cabins have been delivered and there is also new signage which shows check-in signs for cars, coaches, and freight. The fact that there is a sign for coaches implies that this is indeed for Euroferries as to my knowledge this is not something that Transeuropa Ferries offer although the freight would indeed be a sign for them.
Check-in/Security Cabins
Check-in signs
These signs haven’t been put -up yet, and so there is no indication for when the service will start, but are a good sign (excuse the pun) that the port is getting prepared for that time. You can see a few more photos here.
Sorry, I don’t know. Didn’t have my ‘bins’ handy, and I’m not familiar with the different species from a distance!
Hi
They have been doing work in preparation for cable laying from the wind farm, so that maybe what you saw.
Are you sure about that Steve? I believe the cables are going in to Pegwell Bay near Richborough. The dredger I saw was nowhere near that alignment. Much closer to Ramsgate port and within the existing designated shipping lane.
Well just a guess. The cables are going in by the Sportsman pub and I saw a dredger type vessel in the bay last week obviously when the tide was in.
The UR101 have been laying near the port to do some cablelaying work for the windfarm.
Perhaps this was the dredger that you saw.
http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/ramsgate/Ship-s-owner-pulls-plug-Bonanza-lease/article-1746752-detail/article.html
start date ‘later this year’ ……..
Well what a suprise. I think we were all aware that the 1st of March was a no go and it will be interesting to see how many more excuses they can come up with.
So now that the BE is out of contention I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
Euroferries will be featured on BBC1′s Inside Out programme on 8th Feb so that will be interesting and I’ve done a little blog about it here: http://www.ademdjemil.co.uk/blog/2010/01/euroferries-on-bbc-inside-out
4 weeks to go. What odds have we that the service will go ahead?
R.O’Tate, a pint says it wont!
I see we are back to the same comments from last year from EF, namely:
We can’t release any information due to a confidentiality agreement with proposed partners etc,etc.
Had a walk past port the today and of course no sign of any work going on.
Paul,
You can have the finest from Ramsgate Harbour,inner Marina
Lets see how confidential they will be with the BBC next Monday. BBC1 Inside out 19:30. If anyone can make sense I think the Beeb will. They did it with the last Euroferries startup venture in Dover.
Chatter on bfenthusiasts about old Speed One now Sea Leopard….
She’s on this AIS, maybe one to watch
http://www.shipais.com/showship.php?refresh=2&count=1&map=-1&mmsi=235007470
Thanks for the tip Belle. I’ve done a mini-post here. We shall see what happens…..
Seems they don’t want to talk to Aunty ….
LD Lines in Ramsgate in partnership with Transeuropa……Watch this space….Norman Spirit being pulled from Dover-Boulogne bout 12th March..announcement tomorrow probably….RMT crew union in talks with LD Lines today !!!!!
Announcement was made today at 1pm. Norman Spirit to run out of Ramsgate and to be renamed Ostend Spirit. LD Lines in partnership with TEF, service to start approx 15th March !!! Whats next ? perhaps a fast craft to Boulogne or Ostend ???
So the Prins returns!!!! Last seen in Ramsgate Feb 28 1997.
http://www.doverferryphotos.co.uk/pastandpresent/filip.htm
Interesting history. Let’s hope its not as windy as her first crossing to Ramsgate.
Well as there has been no response from EF over the BBC broadcast yesterday and now with the upcoming TEF/LD lines tie up do we have any bets on actually hearing anything again from EF.
Just tried a booking on Euroferries site and even though you can put in date etc, when it searches it comes up with an error page.
Must have been updating. Now if you try and book after 1st March, no sailings are found.
Just looked again. First sailing date now seems to be the 18th of March.
I tried this morning, it does work for after 18th March.
Reply from EF customer services.
Dear Steve,
I have copied your email address to our news & update contact list so you are kept apprised of future developments, such as the upcoming launch events at both Ramsgate and Boulogne ports.
Kind Regards,
Poppy Redmond
Should be interesting to see who if anyone turns up.
Adem, maybe you could ask Jane Wenham-Jones to let us all know when she receives her free ticket to cross on the first boat out ?
Adem, just a little thaught, perhaps these booths in the photographs were bought down in preperations for this tie up with LD and TransEuropa?
(Edit for Applecakes – Not stating as fact, merely just a thaught.)
Just did a price comparison for a trip from the 18th March leaving France mid morning returning evening of the 23rd March. Car + 2 pax
LD Lines – Boulogne/Dover 50 Euro
P&O – Calais/Dover 71,50
Euroferries – Boulogne/Ramsgate £66.60/75 Euro (using 1.14) utilising the first date available on their website
Seafrance – Calais/Dover 88 Euro
Eurotunnel – Frethun/Ashford 166 Euro
Everything seems to have gone very quite on the EF front. I am waiting with bated breath for the launch events to be announced. I see the timtable still shows dates from the 1st of March even though bookings don’t start until the 18th. Perhaps they have given up updating the website as there is no point.
I assume you haven’t received any email from ‘Poppy’ then?
Not yet, but I am expecting one to arrive imminently, or in a couple of months, maybe.
From ECR’s blog and still counting ……
It’s been 404 days since Dr Steve Ladyman MP announced the ‘imminent’ launch of the Euroferries fast service between Ramsgate and Boulogne.
(09:40) Just tried to ring the customer contact number and you still get the message that calls cannot be answered as they are busy, at this rate I don’t think one vessel will be able to cope. I might try and email Mr Ladyman once again and see if he is willing to divulge any info.
Response from Mr Ladyman.
“All I can tell you is they have another vessel lined up and are in discussions with Thanet Council. I’m keeping my fingers crossed once again.”
Poor chap I do feel sorry for him as he is being messed around by EF like everyone else.
Have you seen Thanet Strife today ?
http://thanetstrife.blogspot.com/
It isn’t April the 1st already ?
Someones pulling our preverbial. Whot is Applecakes doing at the moment?????
Euroferries response to an investigative e-mail from another blog can be seen if you follow this link
http://forums.bfenthusiasts.com/showthread.php?t=6483&page=60
Here is the response copied from the BF Forum:
“Dear Alex,
Thank you for your email.
Euroferries high speed service between Ramsgate and Boulogne will be commencing March 2010. The exact March start date will be released shortly.
The comment you mention displayed on ‘Thanet Strife’ was not published by Euroferries, or anyone who represents Euroferries.
An official statement will be released shortly by Euroferries PR company regarding the March start date alongside other details such as the launch events taking place at both ports and the name of Euroferries high speed catamaran.
I have added your details to our contact list so you are kept apprised as soon as the aforementioned details are released.
If you have any further queries please feel free to contact me.
Kind Regards,
Poppy Redmond
Euroferries Customer Service Dept.”
I was going to book a crossing for my birthday on the 18th but obviously can’t do that now, so I emailed EF saying how disappointed I was and here is the reply.
Dear Steve,
Thank you for your email.
Euroferries are also disappointed by the delays, however the timing at this stage is not in our hands.
Euroferries are ready to initiate commencement of its service between Ramsgate and Boulogne, unfortunately we are currently awaiting for the green light and confirmations from certain other parties on specific matters to allow the service to commence.
Due to this fact, as a precaution we have closed bookings on the 18th thus minimising any possible inconvenience to our customers.
Passengers affected have been contacted ASAP to be offered apologies and alternative sailings with a complimentary upgrade or a refund if requested.
I hope this clarifies the situation, if you have any further queries please feel free to contact me, in the meantime best wishes for your birthday on the 18th.
Kind Regards,
Poppy Redmond
Well I have heard a rumour that preparations are going on onboard the Sea Leopard (ex Speedone) and that it has been chartered to do this service, only room for about 2 single deck coaches onboard though, however, it does not stop them boarding them as foot passengers and connecting with coaches in Boulogne
25 March 2010
CONDOR FERRIES ADDS NEW
FAST CATAMARAN TO FLEET
Condor Ferries has added a further wave-piercing fast catamaran to its fleet.
The new ship, which is called Condor Rapide, is a younger sister of the well-known ferries Condor Vitesse and Condor Express and will be coming to Weymouth where she will be prepared for service in Condor Ferries livery inside and out during April.
Condor Ferries operates ferry services to Western France and the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey out of Poole, Weymouth and Portsmouth.
The 86 metre fast cat will sail between Jersey, Guernsey and St Malo and replaces Condor 10 which had been in service since 1993. She is expected to come into service in late May.
Prior to joining the Condor Ferries fleet which operates from the Dorset ports of Weymouth and Poole the ship sailed for brief periods in Australia, and across the English Channel. She is most notable for her service as part of the Royal Australian Navy when she was known as HMAS Jervis Bay.
The ship was the first large catamaran to be used in a naval capacity and took part in the international peacekeeping taskforce in East Timor transporting troops and aid as well as rescuing people.
Condor Ferries Managing Director, Simon Edsall, said: “Our investment in Condor Rapide demonstrates belief in our business and confidence as a major ferry operator in the Western part of the English Channel.
“She is in excellent condition, her previous owners have invested a seven figure sum in upgrades, and Condor Ferries will spend further substantial sums in the coming months to ensure she meets the highest standards.
“This new investment will also help us to meet the extra demand created by the withdrawal of Brittany Ferries’ ‘Barfleur’ service from Poole earlier in the year,” he added.
Condor Rapide will increase capacity for those wanting to travel from the popular South Coast ports of Weymouth and Poole to St Malo in France with their car this summer.
Although the ship is just 12 metres longer than Condor 10, the interior space in both the passenger areas and on the car deck is significantly larger. This will be particularly evident in areas such as the duty free shop which is almost twice as big.
Sea Leopard gone to Condor Ferries
Cool, at last a use for Speedone, that deffinately knocks another nail in Euroferries coffin
I see the earliest booking available is now the 25th of May.
Earlist sailing is now 12th June. I emailed Poppy last week but haven’t had a reply yet. How strange.