Euroferries saga continues

The much talked about Euroferries cross-channel fast ferry service between the UK and France has again been making noises about its ‘imminent’ start. The UK operator has been promising to start operations for the past year or so, but with many false dawns. Now its seems that the service will start at the end of August using the chartered Fred Olsen owned InCat 96m wave-piercing catamaran Bonanza Express, with Fred Olsen also being a partner in the new service.

Euroferries, now headed by new chairman Per Fleming Staehr, says that it has reached agreement with the owners of the south east UK port of Ramsgate (Thanet District Council) and the Port of Boulogne to start a daily service between Ramsgate and Boulogne with five return sailings a day. The service, aimed primarily at the tourist traffic between the UK and France, is expected to get a second vessel in the near future.  

Bonanza Express will carry 146 First Class passengers and 570 Economy Class passengers, as well as cars and coaches, at a speed of 38 knots. 

Commenting on the anticipated start of the service, new Chairman Per Flemming Staehr 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 crossings a day high speed service will be focussed 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.’ Sphere: Related Content