Superfast Ferries who run the daily ferry service from the east coast of Scotland to Belgium is to stop operating out of the port of Rosyth, the company has confirmed.
The company said the service would end in mid-September. Sources at the company blamed fuel costs and passenger numbers for the decision. A statement from the company's board of directors said: "We regret to announce the discontinuation of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service as of 14 September, 2008."
The Scottish Government said it was "disappointed" as it was "a commercially successful service". Scottish Ministers are strongly committed to the continuation of this route, and will pursue all viable options to achieve continuity of a commercially operated service
Thursday 29 May 2008
Fuel rises hit Cross Channel Ferry Operators
The world of Ferry Travel is not immune to the unprecedented increase in fuel costs
and over the last few weeks the world has experienced yet another dramatic rise in the cost of fuel. Environmentally friendly diesel has been worst affected and Ferry companies such as SpeedFerries, SeaFrance and P&O are now looking at a scenario whereby the price they pay for diesel is more than twice what they paid last year.
For a long time many operators have borne the extra rise in petroleum costs however most are considering fuel supplements if the price of oil remains at its present high cost. At the end of this week SpeedFerries will have to implement a substantial increase on all ticket types on its Dover-Boulogne service to combat these rises. Stena Line have advised that ticket price rises were 'inevitable' and increased fuel costs has been an attributing factor to DFDS withdrawing its Newcastle - Norway services from September 2008.
The advice from Cheap4ferries is to book now before these prices hit home and drive up the cost of what were once cheap cross channel ferry crossings.
Ferry passengers will be asked to pay a fuel surcharge for the first time because of the rising cost of oil.
SpeedFerries has told its customers that the price of crossing between Dover and Boulogne will go up next month.
Stena Line said a surcharge was "inevitable" next month and will hit people travelling to Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic from Britain as well as on the Harwich to Hook of Holland route.
P&O, another major ferry operator, whose routes include Dover to Calais, will try to absorb the cost. Another operator, DFDS has decided to withdraw its Newcastle to Norway service completely.
and over the last few weeks the world has experienced yet another dramatic rise in the cost of fuel. Environmentally friendly diesel has been worst affected and Ferry companies such as SpeedFerries, SeaFrance and P&O are now looking at a scenario whereby the price they pay for diesel is more than twice what they paid last year.
For a long time many operators have borne the extra rise in petroleum costs however most are considering fuel supplements if the price of oil remains at its present high cost. At the end of this week SpeedFerries will have to implement a substantial increase on all ticket types on its Dover-Boulogne service to combat these rises. Stena Line have advised that ticket price rises were 'inevitable' and increased fuel costs has been an attributing factor to DFDS withdrawing its Newcastle - Norway services from September 2008.
The advice from Cheap4ferries is to book now before these prices hit home and drive up the cost of what were once cheap cross channel ferry crossings.
Ferry passengers will be asked to pay a fuel surcharge for the first time because of the rising cost of oil.
SpeedFerries has told its customers that the price of crossing between Dover and Boulogne will go up next month.
Stena Line said a surcharge was "inevitable" next month and will hit people travelling to Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic from Britain as well as on the Harwich to Hook of Holland route.
P&O, another major ferry operator, whose routes include Dover to Calais, will try to absorb the cost. Another operator, DFDS has decided to withdraw its Newcastle to Norway service completely.
Newcastle - Norway Ferry service to close
DFDS's decision to scrap its loss-making Newcastle-Norway ferry service has been described as ‘a disaster’ for tourism.
The service, which operates to Bergen, Haugesund and Stavanger, will cease on 1 September, leaving DFDS to concentrate on developing its Newcastle-Holland and Harwich-Denmark operations.
DFDS Seaways managing director, John Crummie, explained: 'The result in 2007 fell well short of expectation and as reported in last week's DFDS Quarter 1 2008 results, the current financial development has fallen below the level required to continue operating the service.
'Furthermore, dramatically increasing oil prices, downward price pressure from over capacity in the travel market place and the current economic slowdown are burdening the service.
'Consequently, we have taken the difficult decision to close the service from 1 September after the summer season.'
The BBC reports tourism officials on Tyneside believe the region will lose £10m in revenue from incoming visitors, and quotes Bergen director of tourism Ole Warberg as saying: 'If this route stops it will be a total disaster for Bergen and the Fjord region.'
The service, which operates to Bergen, Haugesund and Stavanger, will cease on 1 September, leaving DFDS to concentrate on developing its Newcastle-Holland and Harwich-Denmark operations.
DFDS Seaways managing director, John Crummie, explained: 'The result in 2007 fell well short of expectation and as reported in last week's DFDS Quarter 1 2008 results, the current financial development has fallen below the level required to continue operating the service.
'Furthermore, dramatically increasing oil prices, downward price pressure from over capacity in the travel market place and the current economic slowdown are burdening the service.
'Consequently, we have taken the difficult decision to close the service from 1 September after the summer season.'
The BBC reports tourism officials on Tyneside believe the region will lose £10m in revenue from incoming visitors, and quotes Bergen director of tourism Ole Warberg as saying: 'If this route stops it will be a total disaster for Bergen and the Fjord region.'
Tuesday 27 May 2008
Latest update on Ferry blockades
There is continued disruption on the roads around Boulogne, Calais and Dunkerque caused by French fishermen and this is resulting in backlogs on the A16 motorway leading to Calais. The roundabout junction from the A16 to Calais is also being disrupted.
Currently tourist traffic is getting through in both directions and it appears that only freight traffic is being delayed at present.
Updated at 1440 UK time
Continued action by French Fisherman striking in regard to the recent high increases in diesel costs have vowed to continue their strike for a further 48 hours.
This has had a direct impact on ferry travellers to and from France via the main cross channel ferry ports and now French fisherman are now blockading the G1 roundabout at Calais (the A16/Calais port junction) and this combined with the blockade of the A16 near Dunkerque is resulting in very little traffic getting into Calais.
Updated at 13.20 UK time
Currently tourist traffic is getting through in both directions and it appears that only freight traffic is being delayed at present.
Updated at 1440 UK time
Continued action by French Fisherman striking in regard to the recent high increases in diesel costs have vowed to continue their strike for a further 48 hours.
This has had a direct impact on ferry travellers to and from France via the main cross channel ferry ports and now French fisherman are now blockading the G1 roundabout at Calais (the A16/Calais port junction) and this combined with the blockade of the A16 near Dunkerque is resulting in very little traffic getting into Calais.
Updated at 13.20 UK time
Low cost options to Scandinavia
Travellers from the UK looking for an inexpensive holiday this summer are being urged to consider driving through Scandinavia as DFDS Seaways is offering discounted rates on crossings to Europe and Scandinavia.
DFDS Seaways operates ferries to Esbjerg in Denmark, Amsterdam and Bergen and Stavanger in Norway, all of which are being discounted for summer travellers.
Not only are driving trips often less expensive than aeroplane flights, they also allow travellers to relax. There are no airport queues, baggage restrictions or flight delays at the port.
Fares with DFDS Seaways include the price of overnight accommodation in a cabin onboard for two people and their car. Add-ons allow passengers to pre-book meals, more luxurious cabin accommodation or add more people to the trip. In addition for a slightly higher price, DFDS Seaways can transport motor homes, caravans and other large vehicles.
Standard fares for the crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam start at £132 one way. For just £176 each way, passengers can travel between Newcastle and Norway.
DFDS Seaways operates ferries to Esbjerg in Denmark, Amsterdam and Bergen and Stavanger in Norway, all of which are being discounted for summer travellers.
Not only are driving trips often less expensive than aeroplane flights, they also allow travellers to relax. There are no airport queues, baggage restrictions or flight delays at the port.
Fares with DFDS Seaways include the price of overnight accommodation in a cabin onboard for two people and their car. Add-ons allow passengers to pre-book meals, more luxurious cabin accommodation or add more people to the trip. In addition for a slightly higher price, DFDS Seaways can transport motor homes, caravans and other large vehicles.
Standard fares for the crossing from Newcastle to Amsterdam start at £132 one way. For just £176 each way, passengers can travel between Newcastle and Norway.
Monday 5 May 2008
Condors Charity Run
Condor Ferries has leapt to the aid of the Born Free Foundation to help with a mercy mission to rescue a pair of five month old Lion cubs called Marina and Sarnia who were found abandoned and close to death in Romania late last year.
Originally the Foundation flew the Lions to an Animal Shelter in Guernsey where they were nursed back to health. Last week the cubs were declared fit travel and started the first leg of their journey to a new life on a wildlife reserve run by the Foundation in South Africa. The Lion cubs took Condor's fast ferry, the Condor Express for the first leg to Weymouth before going onto Heathrow's Animal Reception Centre and then flown to the Shamwari Wildlife Reserve in South Africa.
Originally the Foundation flew the Lions to an Animal Shelter in Guernsey where they were nursed back to health. Last week the cubs were declared fit travel and started the first leg of their journey to a new life on a wildlife reserve run by the Foundation in South Africa. The Lion cubs took Condor's fast ferry, the Condor Express for the first leg to Weymouth before going onto Heathrow's Animal Reception Centre and then flown to the Shamwari Wildlife Reserve in South Africa.
Friday 2 May 2008
New Green Flag Breakdown Policy from www.cheap4travelcover.com
Having your vehicle breakdown at any time is inconvenient but when you have taken a ferry and headed abroad it can turn into a nightmare especially when going on holiday with your family.
What if you get sick and no one can drive the car, who will get you home? You don't speak the local language, how do you cope?
The team at Online Travel Group are launching a brand new European Breakdown Cover Policy in association with Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance so you can be safe in the knowledge that you are being taken care of by one of the UK's largest roadside assistance companies with the policy underwritten by leading insurance company AXA Insurance UK.
Key Points of Cover
There are no excess charges for our European Breakdown Cover
Comprehensive cover backed by Green Flag Recovery
Underwritten by AXA Insurance
Covers vehicles up to 15 years old
24/7 Emergency helpline
Emergency roadside repair and labour costs
Full towing service if required back to the UK
Replacement driver costs if required
Emergency car hire and accommodation costs
Legal cover in event of an accident abroad
Policy only available to UK registered vehicles
Covers vehicles up to 7m in length
Book online for immediate travel
Fully secure booking system,
Summary of Cover
Replacement car before travel > Before travel commences the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will provide a replacement rental car if within 7 days of your trip commencing your vehicle has a mechanical problem that cannot be fixed or your vehicle is stolen and not recovered. Amount of Cover £2,000
Roadside & Recovery Service > The Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange and pay for labour and call out charges involved in roadside assistance in making the vehicle fit to drive or arranging for the vehicle to be taken to a garage or safe storage area after the event.
Amount of Cover Unlimited
Emergency labour costs >The Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange and pay up to £250 towards the cost of emergency labour outside of the UK which will allow you to continue on your journey without the need to call on any of the other of the services offered by this policy. Amount of Cover £250
Alternative travel costs, including car hire > If you cannot use the insured vehicle following an event and Green Flag reasonably believe that the vehicle will be out of use for more than 8 hours or the insured vehicle is stolen and not recovered within 8 hours then the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange for you, your party and your luggage to be transported by any means suitable including car hire to your destination and then return you, the principal driver to the insured vehicle after it has been repaired. Amount of Cover £2,000
Spare parts despatch >If spare parts are not available locally to repair the insured vehicle following an event, the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange to have them delivered to you, your party or an agreed location as quickly as is reasonably possible. Amount of Cover Unlimited
Additional accommodation if vehicle cannot be repaired >Following the loss of use of your vehicle for more than 8 hours and provided your have not been offered alternative travel costs by the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team, then accommodation including 1 daily meal per day will be paid for whilst the insured vehicle is repaired. Expenses are limited to £45 per person day and to £450 in total for each person. Amount of Cover £450
Replacement driver > If there is an accidental injury, sudden or unforeseen illness or death which means no one can drive the vehicle, the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will at their discretion arrange for a qualified person to drive your vehicle and your party back to the UK. During this return journey Green Flag will pay for accommodation expenses and 1 meal per day. Food and accommodation expenses are limited to £45 per person day and to £450 in total for each person. Amount of Cover Unlimited
Expenses to collect your vehicle from abroad following repairs >If you have left the insured vehicle abroad for repairs, this European Vehicle Assistance policy will pay for a single economy ticket by rail or sea (or air if the journey is longer than 12 hours) to collect the insured vehicle. Green Flag will also pay for any necessary expenses on the outward journey including accommodation and Green Card charges. Amount of Cover £400
Advance of Funds > Green Flag will advance to the Driver a maximum of £2000 to enable the driver to post bail following a road traffic accident or to pay any customs fee's which the driver accidently incurs by an involuntary breach or non-observance of the conditions under which a vehicle may be imported into a country without payment of customs duty.
Amount of Cover £2,000
Vehicle repatriation to UK > If following an event you cannot use your vehicle and it cannot be repaired in the time to make your original planned return to the UK or the vehicle is stolen outside of the UK the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange at their option for you, your group and their luggage to be taken by any suitable means to your UK home address and take your car to your home address or to a repairer of your choice in the UK. * Note the maximum amount payable is limited to the vehicles current market value
Amount of Cover Unlimited
Legal Defence >This European Vehicle Assistance policy will pay up to £20,000 in respect of legal costs and expenses to defend the driver against criminal charges following a road traffic accident or to pursue the uninsured losses against a third party arising from a road traffic accident. Amount of Cover £20,000
Theft Damage > If any other person other than your party damages the insured vehicle in the course of a theft or attempted theft from the insured vehicle then Green Flag will pay £100 towards repairing this damage. Amount of Cover £100
Contribution to Car Hire while own vehicle is being repatriated >If upon your return to the United Kingdom following an event your vehicle is still being repatriated then this policy will provide up to £250 towards the rental of an alternative vehicle. Amount of Cover £250
What if you get sick and no one can drive the car, who will get you home? You don't speak the local language, how do you cope?
The team at Online Travel Group are launching a brand new European Breakdown Cover Policy in association with Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance so you can be safe in the knowledge that you are being taken care of by one of the UK's largest roadside assistance companies with the policy underwritten by leading insurance company AXA Insurance UK.
Key Points of Cover
There are no excess charges for our European Breakdown Cover
Comprehensive cover backed by Green Flag Recovery
Underwritten by AXA Insurance
Covers vehicles up to 15 years old
24/7 Emergency helpline
Emergency roadside repair and labour costs
Full towing service if required back to the UK
Replacement driver costs if required
Emergency car hire and accommodation costs
Legal cover in event of an accident abroad
Policy only available to UK registered vehicles
Covers vehicles up to 7m in length
Book online for immediate travel
Fully secure booking system,
Summary of Cover
Replacement car before travel > Before travel commences the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will provide a replacement rental car if within 7 days of your trip commencing your vehicle has a mechanical problem that cannot be fixed or your vehicle is stolen and not recovered. Amount of Cover £2,000
Roadside & Recovery Service > The Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange and pay for labour and call out charges involved in roadside assistance in making the vehicle fit to drive or arranging for the vehicle to be taken to a garage or safe storage area after the event.
Amount of Cover Unlimited
Emergency labour costs >The Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange and pay up to £250 towards the cost of emergency labour outside of the UK which will allow you to continue on your journey without the need to call on any of the other of the services offered by this policy. Amount of Cover £250
Alternative travel costs, including car hire > If you cannot use the insured vehicle following an event and Green Flag reasonably believe that the vehicle will be out of use for more than 8 hours or the insured vehicle is stolen and not recovered within 8 hours then the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange for you, your party and your luggage to be transported by any means suitable including car hire to your destination and then return you, the principal driver to the insured vehicle after it has been repaired. Amount of Cover £2,000
Spare parts despatch >If spare parts are not available locally to repair the insured vehicle following an event, the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange to have them delivered to you, your party or an agreed location as quickly as is reasonably possible. Amount of Cover Unlimited
Additional accommodation if vehicle cannot be repaired >Following the loss of use of your vehicle for more than 8 hours and provided your have not been offered alternative travel costs by the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team, then accommodation including 1 daily meal per day will be paid for whilst the insured vehicle is repaired. Expenses are limited to £45 per person day and to £450 in total for each person. Amount of Cover £450
Replacement driver > If there is an accidental injury, sudden or unforeseen illness or death which means no one can drive the vehicle, the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will at their discretion arrange for a qualified person to drive your vehicle and your party back to the UK. During this return journey Green Flag will pay for accommodation expenses and 1 meal per day. Food and accommodation expenses are limited to £45 per person day and to £450 in total for each person. Amount of Cover Unlimited
Expenses to collect your vehicle from abroad following repairs >If you have left the insured vehicle abroad for repairs, this European Vehicle Assistance policy will pay for a single economy ticket by rail or sea (or air if the journey is longer than 12 hours) to collect the insured vehicle. Green Flag will also pay for any necessary expenses on the outward journey including accommodation and Green Card charges. Amount of Cover £400
Advance of Funds > Green Flag will advance to the Driver a maximum of £2000 to enable the driver to post bail following a road traffic accident or to pay any customs fee's which the driver accidently incurs by an involuntary breach or non-observance of the conditions under which a vehicle may be imported into a country without payment of customs duty.
Amount of Cover £2,000
Vehicle repatriation to UK > If following an event you cannot use your vehicle and it cannot be repaired in the time to make your original planned return to the UK or the vehicle is stolen outside of the UK the Green Flag European Vehicle Assistance Team will arrange at their option for you, your group and their luggage to be taken by any suitable means to your UK home address and take your car to your home address or to a repairer of your choice in the UK. * Note the maximum amount payable is limited to the vehicles current market value
Amount of Cover Unlimited
Legal Defence >This European Vehicle Assistance policy will pay up to £20,000 in respect of legal costs and expenses to defend the driver against criminal charges following a road traffic accident or to pursue the uninsured losses against a third party arising from a road traffic accident. Amount of Cover £20,000
Theft Damage > If any other person other than your party damages the insured vehicle in the course of a theft or attempted theft from the insured vehicle then Green Flag will pay £100 towards repairing this damage. Amount of Cover £100
Contribution to Car Hire while own vehicle is being repatriated >If upon your return to the United Kingdom following an event your vehicle is still being repatriated then this policy will provide up to £250 towards the rental of an alternative vehicle. Amount of Cover £250
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