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Latest Ferry NewsThe latest ferry news for July 2007 is below:New low fares from Brittany FerriesDate: 27 Jul 2007Source: Brittany Ferries Brittany Ferries offer new low fare to France this summer with travel to Cherbourg costing from £89 each way. For those considering a trip to Normandy or Brittany this summer, Brittany Ferries are offering travel to Cherbourg from Poole or Portsmouth for as little as £89 each way with the choice of a high speed service or for a more leisurely crossing. From Poole you also have the option of the overnight crossing, allowing you ample time to enjoy the shopping and gourmet restaurants onboard – or simply more relaxation time in your cabin. Alternatively, the high speed sailings will get you to Cherbourg in as little as 3 hours from Portsmouth or 4.5 hours from Poole. Arriving in Cherbourg, the N13 motorway leads you to a network of major roads which will take you swiftly into Brittany, the Loire and the South. Travelling by ferry gives you the flexibility of taking your car on holiday, allowing you to explore more of France. For more information and booking, please visit our page Brittany Ferries HD Ferries Alderney ferry service cancelledDate: 27 Jul 2007Source: HD Ferries It has been announced that HD Ferries have cancelled their proposed Alderney ferry service. In a statement released today, HD Ferries commented: 'It is with regret that we will be unable to operate the planned new HD Ferries service to Alderney in the foreseeable future due to a damaged water jet.' The damaged jet was removed from hd1 in the early hours of Monday morning and transported to the UK for a thorough examination. HD Ferries are still awaiting a detailed report on the actual cause of the failure but it is unlikely the repair can be completed within the next 6 weeks. Do to the reduced operational speed it will not be possible to maintain the schedule to Alderney. HD Ferries will however operate the service to Cherbourg on a slightly revised schedule to allow for the slightly slower service speed. The Cherbourg service will operate on Fridays and Mondays commencing on August 6th 2007. Below is the revised schedule: Depart Guernsey 13:15 Arrive Cherbourg 16:00 Depart Cherbourg 16:30 Arrive Guernsey 17:15 The schedule will be the same for both Fridays and Mondays. For more information and booking, please visit our HD Ferries page. Operators wanted for Norse ferry linkDate: 26 Jul 2007Source: The Shetland News A new ferry link between Norway, Shetland and the UK mainland could be in place as early as this October, according to a consortium promoting the route. Potential operators are being invited to tender for the service with an advert already seeking expressions of interest in the Official Journal of the European Union. Yesterday (Wednesday) Shetland Development Trust said it had been encouraged by the outcome of a feasibility study into the viability of such a project. The trust is one of three partners in the newly formed consortium NORSHUKON Link, alongside the Shetland transport partnership ZetTrans and a group of public and private interests in mid Norway, called Møregruppen AS, based around the oil town Kristiansund. The initiative comes in the wake of Shetland losing its traditional Scandinavian ferry links after the Faroese Smyril Line dropped the islands from its 2008 schedule, despite the isles owning a 20 per cent stake in the firm. ZetTrans chairman Allan Wishart yesterday stressed that this latest initiative could not be compared with the Smyril debacle, as no capital investment would be involved. The service would also have to prove it could pay before it was introduced, he said. "This is different (to Smyril), because what we are talking about is having operators interested in running the route, and that will depend upon the amount of trade - freight and passengers - that can be attracted. "These early stage moves are really testing the viability. There is no decision to invest a lot of money into the system. The only money invested so far is into the feasibility study, and only once that is fully assessed, plus the reaction from the potential operators can the way forward be decided upon," Mr Wishart said. NORSHUKON (an acronym for the areas involved in the project) wants to provide a "motorway of the sea" link between Norway and the UK mainland linking in to existing services to Europe. The service could shift freight from road to sea so it reached European markets more quickly. It would probably involve one ferry doing two round trips a week between Kristiansund, Lerwick and a UK port, with Rosyth being one of the favoured options. Jon Aasen, the leader of the regional council for Western Norway, said his region depended on efficient transport routes. "Continuing road traffic congestion, driver shortages, rising road transport costs and environmental impacts of long road transport means we must continually endeavour to improve our transport connections," he said. SDT chairman Josie Simpson said the ferry service would bring "considerable economic and environmental benefits" for the regions involved. "We welcome the increased choice which this service will afford to customers in both the visitor and freight sectors, travelling between the UK mainland and Shetland as well as the continuation of the historical link which exists between Shetland and Norway," he said. The consortium hopes to have preferred bidders in place as early as the middle of next month, with the preferred operator to be announced in October. The service could up and running in 2008, or 2009 at the latest. SDT contributed £50,000 towards a feasibility study into the potential of such a ferry link with match funding from the Møregruppen. The trust refused to release the results of the feasibility study saying it contained confidential and commercial information. High-speed ferry routes take offDate: 24 Jul 2007Source: Lloyds List Plans are at an advanced stage for two new high-speed passenger ferry services at either end of the UK. The services will not only provide daily commuters with a quicker way to work, but will also provide the local tourist industries with a boost. The planned services are across the Firth of Forth in Scotland, and across the Bristol Channel, linking the Welsh ports of Swansea and Penarth with their English counterparts of Ilfracombe and Minehead in North Devon. The UK’s second passenger-carrying hovercraft service is a real possibility. A two-week trial across the Firth of Forth in Scotland, using the world’s most modern passenger carrying hovercraft, Hovertravel’s 130 passenger capacity Solent Express, is under way. This 28 m craft only entered service this June, and is usually found operating in the south of the UK, across the Solent between Southsea and Ryde on the Isleof Wight. The 2007-built BHT 130 Solent Express has been taken to Scotland by UK train and bus operator Stagecoach to prove the viability of a regular, year-round hovercraft service linking Kirkcaldy in Fife with Scotland’s capital Edinburgh. The proposed hovercraft service is aimed at the daily commuters who regularly drive from Fife across the Forth Road Bridge, as well as tourists to the area. Chronic daily congestion on the Forth Road Bridge, coupled with high bridge toll fees and a congestion charge in Edinburgh, all point to the viability of a high-speed passenger ferry service. A recent study revealed that 70% of cars crossing the Forth Road Bridge only have one person in them. The two-week hovercraft trial is running from July 16-28, with 11 round trips per day between Kirkcaldy in Fife and Portobello Beach, close to Edinburgh. It is no coincidence that the trials are taking place during the closure of the Forth Road Bridge for vital repairs. Integrated bus services are provided at both ends of the 20-minute crossing. The trial was launched by Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stephenson. “Public transport has clear environmental benefits over the car and we are very excited by the potential of the hovercraft service,” said Stagecoach Group’s chief executive Brian Souter. “The hovercraft can shorten journey times for commuters and, we also believe, it will appeal to leisure travellers based in Scotland and tourists from overseas.” The £300,000 ($614,000) trial is being funded by Stagecoach, SEStran (South East of Scotland Transport Partnership), the Scottish Executive, Fife Council and the City of Edinburgh Council. Marine Consultant Alistair Macleod has carried out the detailed planning of the service for Stagecoach, which has ferry operating experience through its Fuller Ferries subsidiary in New Zealand. The transport operator believes that a cross-Forth hovercraft service is viable, and that running a two craft service round the year would cost £2m ($4m) per annum. Each hovercraft would cost around £4.5m, and Stagecoach estimates passenger load factors of around 9,000 per week (470,000 passengers per annum). It says that while such a service would initially require public investment, within a few years passenger volumes could grow to make it commercially sustainable. Stagecoach is also planning a new high-speed passenger-only ferry service linking the UK southwest tourist resorts of Torquay and Brixham, in Devon. Meanwhile, ferry operations specialist Chris Marrow of Mariners Marine Consultants is behind plans for a new cross-Bristol Channel ferry service. Under the working title of North Devon Ferries, Mr Marrow plans to start a passenger-only catamaran service linking the two Welsh ports of Swansea and Penarth with Ilfracombe and Minehead in North Devon. A 138 passenger capacity vessel is being considered, but this could be increased to a 300 passenger capacity high-speed catamaran if demand warranted it. One vessel being considered is operating in French Polynesia. North Devon Ferries’ long-term plans include starting a passenger/light vehicle (cars, vans and motorbikes) service across the Bristol Channel, as well as starting a passenger/vehicle service between Ilfracombe and the Republic of Ireland (either Cork, Rosslare or Yougal). Both of these ambitious projects would, however, require public funding due to the high cost of the infrastructure required for a car ferry service. The port of Ilfracombe has recently completed a £2.6m refurbishment, but the planned outer breakwater would be needed for any realistic passenger car ferry operation. The proposed cross-Bristol Channel ferry service has the backing of local councils and business leaders in both North Devon and South Wales and could be up and running by the summer of 2008. At a meeting held in Swansea at the beginning of July between all interested parties, sponsored by the West Wales Chamber of Commerce and the City and County of Swansea councils, feedback was extremely positive. “This is an exciting and innovative idea,” said Steve Penny, president of the West Wales Chamber of Commerce. “We were impressed with the business plan and are looking forward to seeing how it can be developed over the coming months.” Swansea Council leader Chris Holley said that the plan was a great opportunity for tourism on both sides of the water. Add your support to the campaign by visiting www.northdevonferries.co.uk Irish Ferries announces name of new ferryDate: 23 Jul 2007Source: Shipping Times Irish Ferries has announced that its new Ireland/France cruise ferry, purchased to replace its present vessel 'Normandy' on routes between Rosslare, Cherbourg and Roscoff, will be given the name ‘Oscar Wilde’ before it enters service ahead of the 2008 season. The vessel will be renamed ‘Oscar Wilde’ after it completes its programme on the Baltic Sea route between Oslo and Kiel where it is currently operating under a charter arrangement agreed between Irish Ferries and its previous owners, Norwegian ferry operator Color Line, from whom it was purchased last January at a cost of €45million. In choosing the name ‘Oscar Wilde’, Irish Ferries was influenced by the exceedingly high regard in which the writer and his works are held internationally. Born in Dublin and renowned for his characteristic wit, Wilde is universally acclaimed as one of the most celebrated Irish writers. One major factor which influenced the choice of name was Wilde’s close association with France, the country from which Irish Ferries carries a significant proportion of its passenger volume. After leaving Reading prison in 1897, Wilde took up residence in Berneval-sur-Mer near Dieppe where he wrote ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’. Exiled for many years in Paris, he died and was buried there in November 1900. Newer and significantly more luxurious than the vessel it replaces, the ‘Oscar Wilde’ will be the third vessel in the Irish Ferries fleet whose name has been inspired by a leading figure from the world of Irish literature. Other examples are their Dublin-Holyhead cruise ferry ‘Ulysses’ (still the world’s largest car ferry) whose name is derived from the work of writer James Joyce, and their Dublin-Holyhead fast ferry ‘Jonathan Swift’. The ‘Oscar Wilde’, currently operating under the name 'Kronprins Harald', was built in Turku, Finland in 1987. At 31,914 gross registered tonnes, it is substantially larger than the 'Normandy'. With sleeker lines and excellent sea going qualities, it will have a faster speed of 21.5 knots delivered by four more powerful engines saving one hour on current crossing times. With eleven decks, it will carry up to 1,458 passengers and 580 cars - an increase of 160 cars/40%. Its extra vehicle lane metres (1,220 versus 645) will be reflected in significantly greater freight vehicle capacity (62 units versus 43). Other good news for car and freight drivers alike is the fact that cars will have their own deck separate from the freight deck. Under current plans, it is expected that the vessel will be taken in charge by Irish Ferries in early September after which it will spend an approximately four weeks period in dry dock so that some necessary changes and minor modifications can be carried out. This process will include the restyling of restaurants, bistros, lounge bars, children’s play areas and other passenger facilities in themes that will reflect the link with Oscar Wilde. It will also include some technical improvements and re-branding in Irish Ferries livery. Passengers will be impressed with the range and quality of cabins on board. All ensuite, they range from standard 2 Berth to luxurious De Luxe with flat screen TV, minibar and sofa, a significant improvement on the current style of cabin on the Normandy. Commenting, Irish Ferries Marketing Director, Tony Kelly said ‘given the enormous affection and respect which Oscar Wilde commands in Ireland, France and throughout continental Europe, our new vessel, with its new name and modern on-board facilities, will present us with wide-ranging opportunities to re-brand and revitalise our Ireland/France service in a manner that will have very positive benefits in the future’. ‘Bigger, better and faster than the vessel it will replace, with greater car and freight capacity, more berths and a wider choice of stylish cabin accommodation, the ‘Oscar Wilde’ will bring new standards of comfort and luxury to our long established Ireland - France service’, Mr. Kelly said. Brittany Ferries brushes up imageDate: 20 Jul 2007Source: Lloyds List You have to hand it to the French when it comes to promoting their own culture — they are in a class of their own. Brittany Ferries is the latest exponent, not surprisingly, perhaps, for a ferry line that prefers to provide something different to its customers. In its aim to create a unique ambience for each ship, the company has over the past 25 years commissioned original works from approximately 50 contemporary artists, some well known, others less so. Today, it owns some 1,300 original works, most of which can be seen on each of its six passengerships. There are 200 original works alone on board its flagship Pont Aven and the company is now offering audio guides with a commentary to help passengers discover the background to each piece. Passengers can make this cultural journey with £1 ($2) for the hire on board of an MP3 player and by listening to the descriptions, in English or French, of each painting, sculpture or photograph and an account of each one’s significance in the creation of the ship’s ‘personality’. Keen iPodders can download the audio guide from the company’s website and load it onto their own MP3 player. Ferry plan hope for Euro cashDate: 19 Jul 2007Source: North Devon Gazette There are hopes that Welsh cash could help finance a new "fast cat" ferry service from North Devon to South Wales. Following a summit in Swansea, business and council leaders on both sides of the Bristol Channel are to look at the possibility of financial help from the European Convergence fund. This money is available to only a few designated needy regions, including parts of Wales, and it is hoped that if a Welsh bid was successful, some of the money could be spent in North Devon. The 30 delegates at the Swansea meeting discussed plans for the commercial ferry link following a similar meeting of business and industry leaders in North Devon. The hope is for a £5 million passenger service linking Iflracombe to Swansea and Minehead to Penarth. A 300-passenger ferry could be launched by the summer of 2008, say backers of the project. Kevin Kelway, for North Devon Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said: "West Wales and the Valleys receive over £1 billion in European cash. Some of that could help in creating a joint South West & Wales consortium in developing the route and creating jobs, bringing forward new business opportunities for both Wales and the South West economies." Philip Byers, chairman of the NDCCI, added: "The ferry link must be driven by the private sector. But it is music to our ears of EU cash being explored to help get this project off the ground." Chris Marrow of Mariners Marine Consultants outlined his plans to delegates who included Welsh Assembly leaders, Swansea council bosses and Tim Jones of the Devon & Cornwall Business Council. Mr Marrow, said: "We have a lot of work to do over the next few months, with market research and setting up the company to run the service. But, crucially, finance. We will be talking to banks, venture capitalists and independent business folk too." North Devon holiday boss John Fowler is in wholehearted support of the Ilfracombe to Swansea ferry scheme and has pledged his help. Mr Fowler, whose company John Fowler Holidays owns parks in Ilfracombe, Combe Martin and across the region said they had carried out a survey among their own visitors. A "very high percentage" said they would be keen to use a ferry service if one was running, he said. If such a service were up and running, Mr Fowler continued, with an assurance it could cover the holiday season of March to October, he would actively advertise it at his own parks. "We would also provide a shuttle service for guests, meeting them at the ferry each day and taking them back again," he said. "We would be looking to offer people an inclusive price for the whole holiday and ferry combined." His enthusiasm and commitment could prove important for the rest of the region, too: "I am prepared to spend quite a large sum of money in South Wales on marketing to bring these people over for a holiday in North Devon - and I hope North Devon District Council and others will join me. HD Ferries to add new serviceDate: 18 Jul 2007Source: Lloyds List Channel Island ferry operator HD Ferries is to add a new twice weekly service between Guernsey and Alderney and Cherbourg to its existing service between Saint Malo and Jersey and Guernsey. The company, which launched its Saint Malo-Jersey/Guernsey in March this year, is to start the new service on July 30. It says it will be the first operator to carry cars and freight between the Channel Islands and the French department of La Manche. The service will be twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays until the end of October, after which it will continue on a once-a-week basis. The company will be using its existing HD1 Incat-built catamaran to operate the new service, which it said will make use of existing spare capacity and not detract from its existing Saint Malo-Guernsey/Jersey service. Chief executive Chris Howe-Davies said: “These new connections to Alderney and Cherbourg will generate an expansion in both the tourist and freight market which will benefit the Channel Islands and the La Manche region. “Customers will have a wider choice of low-cost ferry tickets.” Since its launch in March, hdferries.com has carried 60,000 passengers and 15,000 cars and looks likely to reach with ease the 100,000-passenger target it set itself for its first year of operation. The company was set up by the family-owned Howe-Davies travel and transport group. It was launched following the closure of Saint Malo-based Emeraude Lines. For more information or to book an HD Ferries crossing, please visit our HD Ferries page. British ferry routes on a steep upward curveDate: 16 Jul 2007Source: Lloyds List Ferry operations round Britain are thriving, according to the UK Passenger Shipping Association’s report on the industry. Ferry passengers totalled 40.8m last year with shortsea routes from Dover to France increasing passenger numbers by 3.4% to 13.8m and services to the Netherlands and Belgium up 2.7% and 6.5% respectively. The Belgian result was particularly noteworthy because it corresponded with a fall in air traffic from Britain of 4.2%. Ferry companies have invested more than £1.25bn ($2.54bn) since 2001, both in newbuildings and in improving facilities on their ships, says the report. Brittany Ferries is introducing a new £85m ferry, the Armorique, on the Plymouth to Roscoff route next year. This follows £200m worth of investment in the past five years. For its part, Stena Line has spent £265m in recent years and has just completed a £70m project to stretch Stena Hollandica and Stena Britannica. A new fast ferry terminal for the line is set to open in Belfast next year, while Stena is collaborating with P&O to redevelop Cairnryan, where it plans to switch services from Stranraer next year. Other investment includes a £1.75m refit for the Stena Explorer. Another line that has been investing heavily, DFDS Seaways, has spent £150m on its North Sea operations, bringing new tonnage on to the Newcastle to Amsterdam route, and moving Queen of Scandinavia to the Newcastle to Bergen service. Wightlink is building two new ships for its Lymington Yarmouth route while P&O Ferries is investing £500m in its fleet over five years. Channel operator SeaFrance plans to buy a further ship later this year with other investors including Norfolkline, Red Funnel and P&O Irish Sea. Advantages for ferries outlined in the report include facilities on board for children and the fact that passengers can take pets abroad. Charges for carrying pets vary from company to company, ranging from £30 down to free carriage. More passengers for Dover in 2007Date: 16 Jul 2007Source: Dover News Plans to build a second Dover ferry terminal are looking more likely as figures show strong growth for 2007. More passengers, cars, coaches and lorries passed through the Port of Dover in the first six months of 2007 than 2006. Figures released by Dover Harbour Board show that • 6.3 million passengers used the port, up 200,000 or 3 per cent • 1.1 million tourist vehicles, up 57,000 or 5 per cent • 51,000 coaches, up 600 or 1 per cent • 1.1 million lorries, up 1,000 Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said the figures underpinned the optimism in ferries as a popular way to travel and move goods within Europe. “The ferry and ports industry has been working hard to promote ferries as a hassle-free and cost effective alternative to travel planning and this is paying off whilst the port is on target to exceed two million lorry journeys for the third year running. “These figures demonstrate the strength of popularity for ferry travel through Dover and support our strategy to develop a second ferry terminal at the port in the coming years,” he said. Wales - Devon ferry aims for 2008Date: 10 Jul 2007Source: BBC News Wales Backers behind plans for a "fast cat" ferry between south west England and Wales have told business leaders in Swansea it could be running in a year. They said £1m had been promised for the passenger services from Ilfracombe to Swansea and Minehead to Penarth. It was the first time they have met in Wales to discuss the plans and followed a summit in Devon earlier this year. The west Wales Chamber of Commerce said it was "impressed" by the "exciting and innovative idea." Business and council leaders from both sides of the Bristol Channel met in Swansea on Tuesday to discuss the scheme. Chris Marrow of Mariners Marine Consultants outlined his plan to more than 25 delegates including Welsh Assembly Government representatives and Swansea councillors. Speaking afterwards Steve Penny, president of the west Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is an exiting and innovative idea. "We were impressed by the business plan and we're looking forward to seeing how it can be developed over the coming months." Swansea council leader Chris Holley said it was "a great opportunity for tourism" on both sides of the water. He added: "The organisations behind this project still have a lot of work to do to bring this very exciting project to fruition. "They will be coming back to us in the coming months with further and more detailed information." Mr Morrow initially plans a 138-passenger ferry but believes the routes could be developed for a "fast cat" vehicle ferry, which could travel between both coasts in around 50 minutes. He said it could launch in time for the 2008 summer season. The proposal has been backed by the North Devon Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Spokesman Kevin Kelway said: "For the first time south west and south Wales business leaders are talking from the same collective song sheet, and we are very excited about this meeting." Ferry firms told to be fuel efficient and more eco-friendlyDate: 9 Jul 2007Source: Lloyds List Ferry companies face a number of challenges including balancing capacity, offering attractive amenities, providing maximum safety as well as speed and pricing issues, according to Frederik Naumann of Sartori & Berger. 'Fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness will become increasingly important,' he said. 'The EU is preparing surprises for us.' Ship designs needed to be flexible to allow for a vessel to operate on a different route, he told delegates at a recent ShipShape International conference. With the size of trucks set to increase in the future, ferries will have to adapt, he said. 'Is industry fully aware of environmental issues,' he asked. 'I think it is not.' Marco Pavoncelli of Rodriquex Canteri Navali agrees that the environment is very important, including the issue of wake damage to coastlines and oil and noise pollution. With high fuel prices, the challenge is to offer the same speed using less power, reducing running costs, crew numbers and fuel consumption, he says. The shipyard is in the process of working on two hydrofoil projects, one of which will offer speeds of 47 knots but at the same time offer lower fuel consumption in comparison to similar fast ferries, Mr Pavoncelli said. The yard’s second prototype — a hybrid between a hydrofoil and a SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) offers fuel consumption that is 50% lower than a conventional ship with the same speed and deadweight, he said. Both of the new craft are speculative builds and the yard is looking for a customer to test them. According to Edwin van der Stam of Mercure Ventures, flexibility will be key to the further development of the ferry industry. 'Ferry travel is traditionally associated with point to point,' he told delegates. Many ferries are purpose-built for routes which puts strain on key costs, he said. He expects further consolidation in the ferry industry 'even with better profitability and sizeable investments'. Freight carryings, he believes, will be increasingly affected by the fact that manufacturing is disappearing from Europe towards southeast Asia. Europeans would become net importers. 'Will the infrastructure be available to deal with increased volumes?' he asked. Challenges on the passenger side,he said, included the trend for lower cost products. Passenger profiles have changed, Mr van der Stam said, as the younger generation was less likely to take to ferry travel, while there was a growing population of older people who 'don’t want tobe rushed'. Ferry to link Swansea and DevonDate: 4 Jul 2007Source: News Wales A fast ferry link between Swansea and Ilfracombe in Devon is being planned. Business leaders from both sides of the water are meeting week to discuss proposals to run a privately operated scheme which would link Minehead and Ilfracombe in the South to Swansea and Penarth in the North. The passage between Swansea ad Ilfracombe would take about 50 minutes and would be for foot passengers only. The meeting hosted by West Wales Chamber will look at the business plan for the project. Steve Penny, President of the West Wales Chamber, said, "This is an exciting and innovative idea. There are potential economic and tourism benefits for both sides of the Bristol Channel. "It's important to understand exactly how the project will work and to examine in depth what the business plan says." Among those attending will be business people from Swansea as well as representatives from the local authority including Council Leader Chris Holley. He said, "This is a great opportunity for tourism on both sides of the water. Although this is a private scheme Swansea Council wants to see what the business plan looks like and explore what role there may be for us as facilitators. "The business plan will need to be very robust. But the potential opportunities for the tourism industry from passengers making the trip from North Devon are very clear." There have already been a number of meetings in Devon and in Swansea among business people to discuss the link which would shave hours off road journey times between the areas. If the passenger service is a success a car ferry could be introduced later. Among those invited to the meeting on July 10 are representatives from the Welsh Assembly Government, Associated British Ports, South West Wales Tourism Partnership as well as Devon County Council, North Devon Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the scheme's main backers Mariners Marine Consultants. Ferry Ports maintain 'level one' securityDate: 2 Jul 2007Source: Lloyds List Britain's ferry ports are to remain at the official minimum ‘level one’ security standing, despite the recent unsuccessful terrorist attacks in London and Glasgow. The decision not to shift to level two indicates that the intelligence services currently perceive little terrorism risk for the sector. However, a memo from Transec - the transport security division of the Department for Transport - has been issued and calls for increased vigilence, according to two people who have read the document. Meanwhile, additional vehicle checks will be unilaterally enacted at several leading terminals, Lloyd’s List has ascertained. One top port, which asked not to be identified, confirmed: “We have upped our security measures and actions that we take. But that is our decision rather than Transec’s instruction.” Port security standings are determined by the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, which came into force in July 2004. The code provides for three levels of security status. Level one is normal and is mandatory on all ports at all times. Level two kicks in when there is suspicion an attack may occur, but no specific intelligence. Level three is invoked where there is definite evidence of an impending attack. The government is known to have contingency plans for the armed takeover of ports should a level three alert make this justifiable. A spokesman for the DfT said: “We are not saying anything, except we have issued advice and guidance to the industry on sensible steps they might take in co-operation with the police. “Really it is for each port to take sensible measures appropriate to its circumstances.” He refused to comment on the current ISPS security level for the UK. A port security specialist said that Transec was rightly reluctant to push up security levels unless needed. Of Britain’s 600-plus ports, only around half a dozen really needed to taken notice of the thwarted bomb outrages. “If we become a fortified island, that is going to have an adverse effect on trade,” he noted. However, he predicted more checks at passenger ports and spot checks on boxes, if only because of the political imperative for the government to able to point to concrete actions. Scottish ferry operator CalMac has banned car parking in the vicinity of terminal buildings, except for key personnel and disabled parking permit holders. Alderney to get ferry link with Guernsey & FranceDate: 1 Jul 2007Source: This is Guernsey Alderney will now have a passenger ferry link with Guernsey and France. After successful berthing trials on Friday, HD Ferries will provide a service to run to the northern isle and on to Cherbourg as part of its existing route network. On a full day of sailing, it will run 10 legs between the islands and France. Chief executive officer Chris Howe-Davies said: ‘We will now consider in consultation with the authorities of Alderney and Cherbourg how quickly we can set up the new routes and how frequently we should travel to Alderney and Cherbourg. ‘Initially, we will consider two to three crossings per week to Alderney and Cherbourg in the summer, reducing to one to two in the winter.’ He said the new route would be a boost to tourism in the Bailiwick as well as easy and affordable access to Guernsey and Jersey for Alderney residents. ‘There is no doubt there is also a strong freight requirement from the Channel Islands to Cherbourg.’ The fast ferry company started with a Guernsey-Jersey-St Malo service in March. Security and mooring tests were all completed during the vessel’s one-and-a-half-hour visit to Alderney last week. There had been concerns the island’s 56m berth would be unable to handle an 80m ship, but they were alleviated following the tests. The company has already made waves in Jersey, with passenger numbers reportedly increasing by 20% to Guernsey and St Malo, while vehicle traffic has grown by up to 49%. HD Ferries ran into difficulties earlier this year after a wave height limit of 2.5m was imposed on its operations – a metre less than its rival, Condor. That issue is expected to be resolved by the autumn. Germany and Denmark agree to build bridge over straitDate: 1 Jul 2007Source: M&C News Berlin - Germany and Denmark agreed at talks Friday in Berlin to build a 19-kilometre-long highway bridge across an arm of the Baltic Sea, according to the Danish news agency Ritzau. German Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee was meeting with Danish counterpart Flemming Hansen in Berlin. The project has been under discussion for years and would cost 5.5 billion euros (7.4 billion dollars). The bridge would replace ferries that currently depart every 30 minutes day and night across the Fehmarn Belt between the two countries. |
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