A European Commission inquiry could result in Scotland's ferry services to outlying islands being taken over by private operators and their least profitable routes shelved an expert warned. These comments were made as the EU Transport Commissioner commenced his inquiry with a visit to Edinburgh.
The move came after complaints that subsidies to the state-owned companies, Northlink Ferries and Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries had breached EU competition law. Both ferry companies are part of the Scottish Government-owned David MacBrayne Group. The EU transport commissioner stressed that investigations would not threaten the future of the services.
Of biggest concern to these outlying rural communities is that the EU will demand a break up of the more than 20 routes currently served by Caledonian MacBrayne and NorthLink with the most profitable 'cherry picked' by larger ferry operators. Fears then exist for the low cost ferry tickets which Islanders have taken advantage of and maintain an essential lifeline to mainland Scotland.
Wednesday 30 April 2008
Brits value summer holidays far too highly to do without
Whilst falling property prices and news reports of an economic slowdown have many UK householders worried it doesn't seem to be stopping people planning their summer holidays.
A survey conducted recently online has indicated that almost 60% of Britons are to continue with their summer holiday plans despite the uncertain times ahead.
The survey found that although 66% were tightening their belts in the face of increased housing, fuel, food and transport costs, the majority said they would rather miss out on a few luxuries than go without a summer holiday.
Whilst long haul destinations like the Far East and the Caribbean are attractive on the eye, for many cash-strapped tourists the price puts them well beyond reach especially when airlines continually raise prices as the price of oil continues to climb.
Despite the unfavourable exchange rate of the £ against the €, more than 70% claimed they would still be happy to spend their holidays in Europe especially as many don't want to have to run the risk of another wet summer in the UK.
France once again looks set to remain a firm British favourite for those looking for a bargain holiday because of its easy accessibility and with the faster Eurostar connection from St Pancras, increased ferry services and cheap low cost airline seats over the summer it's now quicker and cheaper than ever to enjoy the summer in France.
A survey conducted recently online has indicated that almost 60% of Britons are to continue with their summer holiday plans despite the uncertain times ahead.
The survey found that although 66% were tightening their belts in the face of increased housing, fuel, food and transport costs, the majority said they would rather miss out on a few luxuries than go without a summer holiday.
Whilst long haul destinations like the Far East and the Caribbean are attractive on the eye, for many cash-strapped tourists the price puts them well beyond reach especially when airlines continually raise prices as the price of oil continues to climb.
Despite the unfavourable exchange rate of the £ against the €, more than 70% claimed they would still be happy to spend their holidays in Europe especially as many don't want to have to run the risk of another wet summer in the UK.
France once again looks set to remain a firm British favourite for those looking for a bargain holiday because of its easy accessibility and with the faster Eurostar connection from St Pancras, increased ferry services and cheap low cost airline seats over the summer it's now quicker and cheaper than ever to enjoy the summer in France.
Eurotunnel launch rights issue
Eurotunnel launched a discounted rights issue totalling €915 million that Eurotunnel has described as the final piece in restructuring package that has seen it eliminate to date more than £5bn in debt from its balance sheet.
The shares, discounted by 28%, will be underwritten by a consortium of banks including ABN Amro, Lazard, HSBC, Lehman Brothers and UBS.
The deal will allow the Channel Tunnel operator to have “more room to manoeuvre” said Jacques Gounon, the chief executive.
The shares, discounted by 28%, will be underwritten by a consortium of banks including ABN Amro, Lazard, HSBC, Lehman Brothers and UBS.
The deal will allow the Channel Tunnel operator to have “more room to manoeuvre” said Jacques Gounon, the chief executive.
Monday 28 April 2008
Eurotunnel make Important Announcement
Eurotunnel has requested that its shares be suspended today ahead of what it has called an "important" announcement.
Cheap4Ferries believes that the company will announce a rights issue to raise almost 1 billion Euros in capital from its shareholders. France's stock market is expected to approve the move.
Eurotunnel has been hampered by dangerously high levels of debt but last year carried out a complex restructuring plan which resulted in its debts being halved to almost 4billion Euros.
Following this restructuring Eurotunnel announced its first ever profits last year when it made 1 Million Euros. Eurotunnel said the figures proved that the company had "broken with its troubled financial past" as it bids to take on the ferry operators on the lucrative Dover- Calais, cross channel ferry route.
Cheap4Ferries believes that the company will announce a rights issue to raise almost 1 billion Euros in capital from its shareholders. France's stock market is expected to approve the move.
Eurotunnel has been hampered by dangerously high levels of debt but last year carried out a complex restructuring plan which resulted in its debts being halved to almost 4billion Euros.
Following this restructuring Eurotunnel announced its first ever profits last year when it made 1 Million Euros. Eurotunnel said the figures proved that the company had "broken with its troubled financial past" as it bids to take on the ferry operators on the lucrative Dover- Calais, cross channel ferry route.
Thursday 24 April 2008
Eurostar's Numbers Rise
Eurostar has reported an increase over 21% in passenger numbers between January and March 2008 on its high-speed passenger train service between Britain and mainland Europe as compared to those dates last year.
Ticket revenues on Eurostar increased by over 25% to almost £180 million during the first full three-month period of journeys on the new high speed line between St Pancras International in London and the Channel Tunnel.
Factors affecting this increased demand on Eurostar include quicker journeys to the continent, more UK connections , an early Easter and the Six Nations Rugby tournament.
One huge factor has been the number of passengers travelling from regional stations. In the first three months of services of this year the number of travellers from the East Midlands and Yorkshire more than doubled and demand from counties north of London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Scotland all increased significantly as well.
Ticket revenues on Eurostar increased by over 25% to almost £180 million during the first full three-month period of journeys on the new high speed line between St Pancras International in London and the Channel Tunnel.
Factors affecting this increased demand on Eurostar include quicker journeys to the continent, more UK connections , an early Easter and the Six Nations Rugby tournament.
One huge factor has been the number of passengers travelling from regional stations. In the first three months of services of this year the number of travellers from the East Midlands and Yorkshire more than doubled and demand from counties north of London, the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Scotland all increased significantly as well.
Brittany Announce changes to Ferry timetables
Brittany Ferries have announced small changes to the regular Ferry sailings from Plymouth to Roscoff.
The Plymouth-Roscoff Brittany Ferry will depart on the 18th of July, 1st of August, 15 of August and 29th of August 15 minutes earlier at 07.30 local time
The Roscoff - Plymouth Brittany Ferry will depart on the 18th of July, 1st of August, 15 of August and 29th of August 30 minutes earlier at 16.00 local time
Remember if you are sailing to always check the up to date weather details at Cheap4Ferries.
The Plymouth-Roscoff Brittany Ferry will depart on the 18th of July, 1st of August, 15 of August and 29th of August 15 minutes earlier at 07.30 local time
The Roscoff - Plymouth Brittany Ferry will depart on the 18th of July, 1st of August, 15 of August and 29th of August 30 minutes earlier at 16.00 local time
Remember if you are sailing to always check the up to date weather details at Cheap4Ferries.
Wednesday 23 April 2008
All safe on Wightlink Ferry
At half past four on the afternoon of April 15 a Wightlink passenger ferry reporting that it had an engine fire on board and was currently proceeding to Ryde Pier as it crossed the Solent.
Solent Coastguard tasked local Coastguard Rescue Teams and requested the launch of Bembridge Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats. Once the ferry arrived alongside the Ryde Pier all 85 passengers and crew on board were discharged with all reported to be safe and well.
Solent Coastguard tasked local Coastguard Rescue Teams and requested the launch of Bembridge Inshore and All Weather Lifeboats. Once the ferry arrived alongside the Ryde Pier all 85 passengers and crew on board were discharged with all reported to be safe and well.
April Offers with Cheap4Ferries
Cheap4Ferries brings you the latest special offers from all the major ferry operators
======================Our Main Offers======================
1. SeaFrance Ferries Great offers with SeaFrance on their highly popular Dover - Calais crossing from only £26
2. Brittany Ferries '5 day Special Fares' on all routes to France and Spain. Prices start from only £59 each way
3. Stena Line Ferries Great Offers on all Stena Line routes to Ireland from English, Welsh and Scottish ports
4. Irish Ferries Great special offer from Irish Ferries on their Holyhead - Dublin ferry route. Prices from £59
======================Our Special Offers======================
1. Why Cheap4Ferries? By working as a Specialist in the Ferry Market our website and call centre staff can offer options and choice to save you money on your next ferry.
2. Click to view all 'Special Offers' to France, Ireland, Holland, Scandanavia and Spain with all the major ferry operators including, SeaFrance, P&O, Stena Line, DFDS, Brittany Ferries, Condor and more
3. Driving abroad? Save up to 50% on European Breakdown Cover
======================Our Main Offers======================
1. SeaFrance Ferries Great offers with SeaFrance on their highly popular Dover - Calais crossing from only £26
2. Brittany Ferries '5 day Special Fares' on all routes to France and Spain. Prices start from only £59 each way
3. Stena Line Ferries Great Offers on all Stena Line routes to Ireland from English, Welsh and Scottish ports
4. Irish Ferries Great special offer from Irish Ferries on their Holyhead - Dublin ferry route. Prices from £59
======================Our Special Offers======================
1. Why Cheap4Ferries? By working as a Specialist in the Ferry Market our website and call centre staff can offer options and choice to save you money on your next ferry.
2. Click to view all 'Special Offers' to France, Ireland, Holland, Scandanavia and Spain with all the major ferry operators including, SeaFrance, P&O, Stena Line, DFDS, Brittany Ferries, Condor and more
3. Driving abroad? Save up to 50% on European Breakdown Cover
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