04/11/2005
Job loss fears as ferry services stop
Cross Channel ferry operator Hoverspeed has announced the closure of its Dover to Calais service, leaving many jobs at risk as a result.
Hoverspeed said that it could no longer sustain losses on the English Channel. The company said that although crossings had increased by 17% this year, there was still surplus capacity on the route and average yields had declined.
Hoverspeed blamed a “dramatic rise” in fuel prices – which had increased 54% since last year – combined with a diminishing market and less retail opportunities, saying they were “the principal causes of our financial problems”.
The company said that a number of staff would be retained to look after the care and maintenance of the firm’s two SeaCats until a decision was made on the future deployment of the craft. However, they said: “Consequently, many jobs will unfortunately be at risk over the coming weeks”.
A Hoverspeed spokesperson said: “The regrettable decision to cease operations has not been taken lightly and it is a sad moment. I would like to pay tribute to all Hoverspeed staff for their hard work, flexible working practices and effort over the years. We shall be looking at various options as to how we may assist those employees who may now face redundancy.”
Hoverspeed said that the last scheduled sailing of its service would be the 17:30 crossing from Dover, returning from Calais at 20:15 on November 7.
Any passengers with a forward booking from that date are being contacted and arrangements made to offer alternative crossings with another provider.
Passengers with any queries are asked to contact: 0870 240 8070 (UK) or 00800 1211 1211 (Continental).
(KMcA/SP)
Hoverspeed said that it could no longer sustain losses on the English Channel. The company said that although crossings had increased by 17% this year, there was still surplus capacity on the route and average yields had declined.
Hoverspeed blamed a “dramatic rise” in fuel prices – which had increased 54% since last year – combined with a diminishing market and less retail opportunities, saying they were “the principal causes of our financial problems”.
The company said that a number of staff would be retained to look after the care and maintenance of the firm’s two SeaCats until a decision was made on the future deployment of the craft. However, they said: “Consequently, many jobs will unfortunately be at risk over the coming weeks”.
A Hoverspeed spokesperson said: “The regrettable decision to cease operations has not been taken lightly and it is a sad moment. I would like to pay tribute to all Hoverspeed staff for their hard work, flexible working practices and effort over the years. We shall be looking at various options as to how we may assist those employees who may now face redundancy.”
Hoverspeed said that the last scheduled sailing of its service would be the 17:30 crossing from Dover, returning from Calais at 20:15 on November 7.
Any passengers with a forward booking from that date are being contacted and arrangements made to offer alternative crossings with another provider.
Passengers with any queries are asked to contact: 0870 240 8070 (UK) or 00800 1211 1211 (Continental).
(KMcA/SP)
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