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Latest ferry news for December 2008

Date Source Title
8 Dec 2008Lloyds ListEC draws up plans for ferry passenger compensation
5 Dec 2008Isle of Wight County PressYarmouth Lymington Ferry Route Back On Course

EC draws up plans for ferry passenger compensation

Date: 8 Dec 2008 Source: Lloyds List

Passengers faced with a cancelled ferry trip will have to be given compensation according to plans under study in Brussels, writes Justin Stares in Brussels.

The European commission is seeking to bring maritime passenger legislation in line with airline legislation by proposing rights and 'minimum rules' such as alternative routes in case of cancellation; assistance for people of reduced mobility; and the creation of independent national bodies for the settlement of disputes. New proposals also apply to bus services.

'The EU cannot afford different levels of rights for passengers depending on which mode of transport they travel with. With these two new regulations, we will cover all transport modes. All passengers can make their choice of preferred mode of transport knowing that their rights are equally enforced irrespective of the means', said Brussels transport commissioner Antonio Tajani.

If approved, the laws would oblige ferry operators to give free assistance to the disabled and those with reduced mobility.

'The proposals foresee that in case of interrupted or cancelled journeys, companies are obliged to provide passengers with adequate information, proper assistance and reasonable alternative services,' the commission said. 'Companies failing to meet these requirements ought to pay a compensation calculated on the basis of the ticket price.'

Brussels is also seeking to harmonise rules on liability and compensation levels for passengers and their luggage across the EU.

'The opening of the market has not raised quality standards and services as it was expected,' the commission said. 'The lack of common procedures isolates passengers, having to cope with different procedures and deadlines.

'EU countries will have to set up enforcement bodies responsible for ensuring the implementation of these regulations on their territory. If a bus or ship passenger considers that any of these rights have not been respected, he can bring the matter to the attention of the company. If he is not satisfied with the response, a complaint can be made to the national enforcement body designated by the country concerned.'

Airlines fought the introduction of the EU compensation scheme in court before grudgingly agreeing to it, though its application is still the subject of dispute. Shipowners gave no initial reaction to the latest proposals.

Yarmouth Lymington Ferry Route Back On Course

Date: 5 Dec 2008 Source: Isle of Wight County Press

Threats to the future of the West Wight ferry route look to be over and the new larger ferries will be introduced to the crossing in the new year thanks to an agreement between Wightlink and Lymington Harbour Commission (LHC).

The two parties reached agreement at a meeting last week following weeks of debate over the introduction of the Wight Light class of bigger ferries - a debate which reached parliament. Media statements were sent out on behalf of both parties on Wednesday, explaining the next stage for introduction of the ferries.

The new vessels, Wight Light and Wight Sky, are currently involved in a comprehensive risk assessment that is nearing completion, and all the safety recommendations arising to date have been accepted by Wightlink. Outstanding trials will be completed as soon as possible and Wightlink has clarified its intention the new vessels should enter service in January, prior to the withdrawal of the passenger safety certificates on the existing 35-year-old ferries.

Pending completion of the risk assessment and consultation with stakeholders, the new ferries will operate under an Interim Safe Operating Profile, the terms of which have been accepted by Wightlink.Wightlink stated that, following extensive studies, it was satisfied the new vessels would have no material impact on the environment and in respect of emissions will represent a considerable improvement over the old vessels.

Island MP Andrew Turner, who had supported the route as a lifeline service for Islanders that must be retained, said this week: "I am very glad with goodwill and compromise on both sides there seems to be progress in the right direction. It is very welcome news."

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