The French are at it again...... I'd call it Ransom.

[Steve Pyro]

LD Lines website says their Dover / Boulogne service will start from 1st July 2009.

[Robbo SPS]

THE SEA CAT that SF use carries at best 175 cars if they are all medium sized.200 onl if they have fiat 500's.

P&O had a 210 capacity boat that couldnt ever get more than 185 and that was after a small car rally.

They also run on better fuel than heavy oil used in cruise type ferries.( diesel to you and me ) .

I thought the actions were ransom, being they stated they wouldnt take action, but did a day early.

You keep to your words.

[Andy Zarse]

THE SEA CAT that SF use carries at best 175 cars if they are all medium sized.200 onl if they have fiat 500's.

P&O had a 210 capacity boat that couldnt ever get more than 185 and that was after a small car rally.

They also run on better fuel than heavy oil used in cruise type ferries.( diesel to you and me ) .

I thought the actions were ransom, being they stated they wouldnt take action, but did a day early.

You keep to your words.

you mean like paying your bills on time, as per the contract you signed?

[garyfrogeye]

Latest news on their website today says that they are in ongoing talks with the Bolougne Chamber of Commerce. And that's pretty much all they say. Just a couple of lines.

[Jules G]

More news is posted:

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/search/results.asp?search=Speedferries&submitsearch=Go

[pool pugilist]

I have heard on the Strasa that SF also have outstanding rent/fees owing to Dover Port Athorities, this is rumored to be in the region of £250k!! This information was gleemed from a ferry enthusiasts site and not in anyway confirmed.

[Lorry]

I'm afraid that the ongoing talks were with a judge and an administration order has been made.  Attempts are being made to sell the business - anyone interested?

[Steve Pyro]

Speedferries are now in administration.

http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5gmbtJdT2vQn1lotQnP0gBfmDQXXA

and an official announcement on their website - http://www.speedferries.com/

[mgmark]

Shame - used them a few times in the past, hope they manage to keep it as a going concern.

MG Mark

[Robbo SPS]

you mean like paying your bills on time, as per the contract you signed?

Andrew, you have a point. But. . .

[termietermite]

For anybody with a Speedferries booking now rendered useless: (stolen from another forum with the quote translated by babelfish from the look of it)

"It is possible LD Lines might be offering a deal for those who had pre-booked with Speedferries. They don't operate from Dover yet, their nearest current route is Newhaven-Dieppe, but they plan to start Dover-Boulogne in 2009.

This is what Pierre Gehanne, CEO of the company says, talking about the Speedferries demise:

"At this stage there is not much we can do about it, except maybe welcome the passengers who had some booking arrangements with SF and who are unable to travel time being. I believe it could be fair to offer them some very special crossing fares if they wish so.

This being said it is no secret that we have been in contact with Curt Stavis early July, at his request, when SF was meeting some difficulties and, at the time, we offered Curt to help him to continue SF’s operations until sumer 2009 when Speedone would have been replaced by a standard ferry able to carry freight and passengers. Unfortunately Curt could not finally agree to this proposal and we all know the end of the story."

[smokie]

That's odd.

Their deal is almost bound to involve shelling out more dosh.

Anyway, I was expecting to claim the remaining 8 crossings back from credit card 

PS Good to read you Termie!!

[garyfrogeye]

My credit card company are investigating and said that I should get a claim form in the next ten days or so. Having said that, as theyre part of Citicorp, they may be on a bit of a sticky wicket themselves.

[Jules G]

Latest news from the Speedferries web site:

"Notice to all Customers: Speedferries Limited (in Administration)

The affairs, business and property of the Company are being managed by the Joint Administrators, A Swarbrick and T Burton, who act as agents of the Company only and without personal liability.

Customers
All crossings have been cancelled until further notice.  It is anticipated that an update will be available on the website on 26 November 2008. Customers are advised to wait for further information on future crossings and to keep any pre-booked tickets.

We are pleased to confirm that the fast ferry the Speed One was released from arrest in France yesterday, pursuant to an order made by the Commercial Court in Boulogne. The release of the Speed One and its return to England will greatly assist in our efforts to achieve a sale of the business of Speedferries Limited (in Administration).

We will continue to keep you updated with developments in respect of the long term plans for Speedferries and notify you as soon as possible via the Company website if changes are proposed to be made which will affect your current position.

For further enquiries please contact customer services on 0871 222 7456 or refer to previous statements.

Angela Swarbrick and Tom Burton
Joint Administrators"

[garyfrogeye]

I wonder how much the Port of Bolougne will have charged them for the two week storage costs?