Euroferries: one year of no service

EUROFERRIES’ fast cross-channel service between Ramsgate and Boulogne is still not in service one year after the original launch date of April 2009.

This year the company has already claimed its service would start on March 1, then March 15.

Its original boat of choice the Bonanza Express has been painted, stripped and repainted in Euroferries’ colours before all mention of it was dropped from the company’s website.

The site has been taking bookings since November 14 however now it is only possible to book a crossing from April 12 on the internet and phoning the booking line gives a recorded message saying they are busy. The site now carries a disclaimer saying that should the launch be delayed refunds will be made.

According to a Euroferries spokeswoman everything is still going ahead but no date has been published yet.

She said they are disappointed by the delays but that the timing is out of their hands.

Everyone who has already booked tickets for crossings that have not taken place has been refunded and offered an upgraded future crossing, the spokeswoman said.

Euroferries state they now have three vessels lined up and are just waiting for the green light on certain matters from third parties before they can get under way.

One of the ferries is a large catamaran currently located off the British shore, the spokeswoman said.

UK MP Stephen Ladyman, who announced Euroferries’ plans in January 2009, said he is still backing the project despite having had no indication himself of any launch date.

Thanet District Council, which runs Ramsgate port said they had not received information from Euroferries for several months.

Among reasons Euroferries has given for the delays is ironing out problems with accessibility to the port.

Meanwhile LD Lines has recently signed an agreement with Transeuropa to provide a freight and passenger ferry service from Ramsgate to Ostend.

The lack of clear communication from directors of the firm is fuelling uncertainty.