Ferry News Archive
Newcastle in fight to keep Norway route
Date: 01 Jul 2008 00:00 Source: Lloyds ListA high-profile campaign has been launched to save the ferry route that links Newcastle's Port of Tyne with Norway. Politicians and tourism leaders from Newcastle are so keen to keep the service afloat that they are considering offering incentives to potential operators.
They have met with their Norwegian counterparts to discuss what could be done following DFDS’s announcement that they will be shutting down the route from September. DFDS, which made the announcement in May, blamed rising fuel prices for the decision to axe the route, that takes in the Norwegian ports of Stavangar, Haugesund and Bergen.
As well as 250 jobs being at risk, the connection with Norway is believed to be worth at least £25m ($49m) a year to the economy of northeast England. Many Norwegians travel to Newcastle on shopping trips, taking advantage of the favourable exchange rate.
Andrew Dixon, chief executive of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, that is responsible for promoting the region, was one of the officials at the meeting with the Norwegians. He declined to discuss what incentives may be offered, although it is understood one suggestion might be to cover the operator’s promotional and advertising costs.
Mr Dixon said: 'Our culture, tourism and business connections with Norway are extremely important to both our economies and we will do everything possible to secure another operator by working collaboratively with our partners. The ferry between the Tyne and Norway has been running for 140 years, so there is a strong and sustainable market with the right-sized ship.'
A Port of Tyne spokesman said: 'The discussions are in their infancy but all partners are eager to work together. Obviously, the aim is to have a ferry service between Newcastle and Norway reinstated and that is something that the Port of Tyne is happy to support.'
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