Ferry News Archive
Snag delays new Grandi Navi Veloci service
Date: 28 Sep 2006 00:00 Source: Lloyds ListGenoa based ferry operator Grandi Navi Veloci has postponed the launch of its much-trumpeted new service linking Genoa, Barcelona and Tangier.
The company cited "scarcely comprehensible" delays in securing approval for the routing from the Moroccan authorities as a reason.
In a sternly worded statement, GNV headed by venerable shipping magnate Aldo Grimaldi said "everything is ready, but the new line cannot yet set sail."
The delay comes at a delicate time for GNV, with rival Moby announcing plans to go head-to-head with it on the already competitive Genoa-Porto Torres route and speculation mounting that private equity fund Permira is close to selling its 80% stake in the company to one of several suitors.
GNV said the Tangier project, announced a month ago after a year of study and included in the Marco Polo programme, "has not yet received the assent of Morocco’s ministry of transport."
Though the ministry had authorised the direct link between Genoa and Tangier, it had not yet sanctioned the call in Barcelona, the company said, "this despite official visits from GNV representatives, the interest of the Italian embassy in Rabat, and the positive response to the project of the Italian and Spanish transport ministries."
GNV described it as “scarcely comprehensible that Morocco should not accord Italian shipowners the same accomodations accorded Moroccan shipowners by the Italian authorities, in the spirit of the bilateral accord signed by the two countries in Rabat in 1982."
Arguing that both Italy and Spain put their infrastructure, ports and services at Morocco’s disposal in order to promote the exchange of passengers and trade, GNV also pointedly expressed the hope that the problem could be solved "quickly, positively and peacefully."
Grandi Navi Veloci planned to launch the new weekly service from September 30, utilising the 28,000-gt Victory on the new route, with capacity for 1,200 passengers, 1,800 linear metres of vehicle space, and a cruising speed of 23 knots.
More Ferry News from directferries.co.uk
Date: 18 May 2012 Source: Brittany Ferries
Travel to France this Summer with Brittany Ferries by car with an additional passenger from just £175 return or from £87.50 return if you travel by motorbike (rider and pillion).
Date: 14 May 2012 Source: Grandi Navi Veloci
Italian ferry giant Grandi Navi Veloci have opened 2 new services connecting France with Morocco.
Date: 08 May 2012 Source: Brittany Ferries
Spend up to 2 days in France from just £99 return when you travel with Brittany Ferries by car and take an additional passenger or from £49.50 if you travel by motorbike (rider and pillion).
Date: 05 May 2012 Source: Corsica Sardinia Ferries
If you're planning on travelling to Corsica, Sardinia or Elba this Summer with Corsica Sardinia Ferries then take a look at our new ship guides and find out what it's like onboard before you travel!
Date: 01 May 2012 Source: DFDS Seaways
Take your car by ferry to France with DFDS Seaways from Dover to Dunkirk or Calais from just £19 return.
Date: 01 May 2012 Source: P&O Ferries
Spend up to 5 days abroad and pay just £49 return when you travel from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries.
Date: 30 April 2012 Source: Toremar
Italian ferry operator Toremar is now available to be booked online across the direct ferries network.
Date: 25 April 2012 Source: P&O Irish Sea
Take your car on the ferry between Scotland and Northern Ireland with P&O Ferries and take a second passenger for FREE – a saving of up to £50 on a return crossing!
Date: 18 April 2012 Source: Stena Line
Take your car on any ferry to Northern Ireland or Ireland with Stena Line and take a second passenger for FREE – a saving of up to £50 on a return crossing!
Date: 16 April 2012 Source: Irish Ferries
You can now save up to 30% when you take the ferry to Ireland between Monday and Thursday in April and May with Irish Ferries.