Hard times and sad times. There might be a buyer and some hope but don't hold your breath.
Sea France has suspeneded services for 48 hours amid worries over their future. DFDS (Norfolk Lines) has tried to buy out Sea France but its bid has been turned down. Sea France is being allowed to operate in the short term at least till January and will be trying to secure its future. If you have bookings for next summer I would check your insurance and refund options, just in case!!
From the BBC News: "SeaFrance could cease trading on 29 January if a buyout offer is not accepted."
More today 10th Janaury
DFDS Seaways UK - English Channel
Breaking News: DFDS SEAWAYS AND LD LINES PLANNING TO START NEW DOVER-CALAIS ROUTE
Yesterday the commercial court of Paris decided to liquidate SeaFrance, which operated a route between Dover and Calais, with immediate effect. DFDS and LD Lines formed a joint venture in 2011 that bid to acquire certain assets of SeaFrance, but the bid was rejected by the commercial court of Paris in December 2011.
As previously stated, the underlying industrial logic of DFDS’ and LD Lines’ joint venture has remained intact throughout the process. Furthermore, our joint venture is still in a unique position to create a number of sustainable French jobs, including the deployment of French flagged ships.
We can, therefore, confirm that we have continued to pursue opportunities to establish a new route between Dover and Calais. Our intention is to operate two ships under the French flag to be manned with French seafarers. To open a new route, and provide an attractive service for customers, we aim to hire about 300 staff and expect to be able to start the recruitment process soon.
The new route would be operated by vessels currently owned by the joint venture or vessels available on the market.
More detailed information will be shared with you here as soon as possible.
Last edited by Louey on 10 Jan 2012, 12:10, edited 2 times in total.
Sea France were about the cheapest Dover>Calais but their tubs were for ever breaking down ... Both our's and the Tonion's ferrys had to be tugged into the harbour at Dover 3 years ago.
The Hulley's Bus 1989 2.1DJ Trampspotter LPG courtesy of Steve @ Gasure
Ian Hulley wrote:Sea France were about the cheapest Dover>Calais but their tubs were for ever breaking down ... Both our's and the Tonion's ferrys had to be tugged into the harbour at Dover 3 years ago.
Also when ever the ferry seemed like it was going to be half full mysterious breakdowns always occured -the captains cafetiere playing up again?
Next one would then be nice and full
Bowton Lad wrote:Thanks for the info, Leon. I've booked with Sea France for next May/June so I'll have to look into this urgently.
I wouldnt say its that urgent - 6 months is quite a long time lol.
Hope you get it sorted anyway lad.
I hope sea france don't go under - the competition is quite healthy.
Ringo
I posted that I needed to look into the matter urgently because I need to know if I will actually have a ferry crossing with Sea France next year. There's no chance of refund if they're skint. I paid my £90.00 by debit card so no hope there & even if I'd used a credit card it's under the minimum amount of £100 for section 75 cover from the card company.
The only hope is that another ferry company (DFDS?) will put in a revised offer for Sea France & it gets accepted. Then there's the matter of whether or not they honour existing bookings. The last date for bids is the 12th December so it's a case of watch this space.
Incidentally, I've sailed with Sea France several times & never had any problems with the ferries. In fact, they tend to be better timekeepers than P&O.
BOWTON LAD, CLUB 80-90 MEMBER No.2488
2013 VW PASSAT ESTATE 2.OL TDI BLUE MOTION TECHNOLOGY
Never been with PoO but Tina has and wasn't impressed AT ALL ... she was the only kid on the Eurodisley school trip who'd actually been on a ferry before
Ian
The Hulley's Bus 1989 2.1DJ Trampspotter LPG courtesy of Steve @ Gasure
