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

[Robbo SPS]

 
Taken from another topic.....

Basically it seems the French Government are also into ransom tactics that are usually reserved for lorry drivers, farmers and fishermen.

Allthough i dont know the full story or the extent of the debt but it seems a little un-fair of the actions taken.

I seem to remember the Port of Bologne Sur Mer being very happy at Speed Ferries running and providing tourism and revenue to their port, which was once a bust and thriving port. Shameful, but that would be very true of some of the countries attitudes. Its ironic, as i'm sure there are French employees who will be effected by this!!

Latest Travel News

7 November 2008 09:00

Arrest of SpeedOne by the Port Authorities in Boulogne

Yesterday afternoon, shortly after 17:00 UK time, the Port authorities of Boulogne arrested SpeedFerries’ SpeedOne during its turnaround. The arrest was made on the basis of SpeedFerries Limited’s debts to the port in relation to port dues and taxes.

The arrest was totally unexpected, as the authorities had given written confirmation that no legal steps would be taken prior to a meeting planned for 10:00 today. At this meeting SpeedFerries in consultation with its bankers and financial advisors, were to present a proposal for a resolution of the issues relating to outstanding dues and taxes, as well as disputes with the Port regarding:

A) Substantial counterclaims towards the Port which have been entirely ignored by the French authorities, and

B) Serious competition and discriminatory issues in relation to the Port’s dealings with a French ferry operator preparing to start-up a Dover-Boulogne service.

The authorities informed the SpeedFerries staff on site that the arrest was carried out despite the written agreement, as “this would strengthen the negotiating position of the Port against SpeedFerries”.

As the actions of the Boulogne Port authorities are now proven to be unpredictable and inconsistent with their given guarantees, SpeedFerries finds itself in a position where it is unable to inform its customers, employees or business partners, of a firm date for the resumption of services.

The company deeply regrets this situation and asks everyone affected to accept our sincere apologies. Further statements will be issued when more information of substance becomes available.

SpeedFerries Limited
Curt Stavis
Chief Executive Officer

[Kev_mk3]

been mentioned here -

http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=9148.30

[nickliv]

That is an excellent name for a CEO though.

[landman]

Protectionist Barstewards

[Leftie]

I would advise everyone not to go to Bologne.

Stuff the B's and their smelly town.

Been there twice, it stank.

If wasn't for us Brits, they'd be on their hands and knees grovelling.

I know this wont happen, but what if all Brits boycotted LM!  I bet they would change their minds. After all, they are not the only country in Europe.

[Robbo SPS]

been mentioned here -

http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=9148.30

Hence why i started the wording with...

Taken from another topic........

Kev - You should have gone to spec savers.

[garyfrogeye]

No more updates from Speedferries. Me thinks there is more to this than a bit of French protectionism.
I've always tried to work out how they can actually make any money
How many cars does their speed cat hold? if it was 400 at a price of £30 per car that's £12000 per trip.
Does it hold that many and is that enough of a profit
If it only holds 200 cars then that's only £6000 per trip!

[Kpy]

Yes it looks like it has little or nothing to do with French protectionism. Speedferries haven't been paying their bills and that applies in Dover as well as in Boulogne. Seems the Port of Boulogne was the first to issue a writ for seizure.
Shame, Speedferries has been my preferred carrier for years now, and I have two unused return tickets, but I'd not put any money on them getting out of this one. Their finances must have been dodgy, as Garyfrogeye points out. Capacity is 200 cars - at £30 a car that makes £6000 per crossing - not a lot when you factor in fuel, staff costs, port fees and all the associated costs landside.

[smokie]

I have 8 crossings with them (bought 10 earlier this year). I hope the credit card company will stump up, once (if) Speedferries go tits up.

[garyfrogeye]

That's a point. My next years ticket is with them
But I have paid by credit card (i think)

[Lorry]

The high cost of fuel must have hurt them more than most, as a seacat must do less mpg than a boat of the same capacity. 

They may have had a meeting with the Port authorities earlier today (tomorrow is a bank holiday), and there's no good news yet. They'll have to come up with cash to get the boat released

[WhiteBaron]

Hi Lorry,

Don't think i'll be on speedferries this year then!

Steve

[Andy Zarse]

Yes it looks like it has little or nothing to do with French protectionism. Speedferries haven't been paying their bills and that applies in Dover as well as in Boulogne. Seems the Port of Boulogne was the first to issue a writ for seizure.
Shame, Speedferries has been my preferred carrier for years now, and I have two unused return tickets, but I'd not put any money on them getting out of this one. Their finances must have been dodgy, as Garyfrogeye points out. Capacity is 200 cars - at £30 a car that makes £6000 per crossing - not a lot when you factor in fuel, staff costs, port fees and all the associated costs landside.

Sorry guys, but I'm with KPY on this one. As a commercial operation if you don't pay your bills then your gonna face the firing squad...

The question of illegal subsidy to LD Lines is a (serious) seperate matter to be looked at, probably by the EU. However, I'd suggest that if LD owed Pompey Docks Authority a large sum of money for unpaid port fees then nobody here would complain too much if their boat was impounded by Court Order.

It's to easy to call the French pirates this time, but I really can't see wha they've done to bring such criticism.

Oh, and I trust we've all learned the lessons of Excel Airways and mindful of the lessons on refunds have all paid by credit card... 

[dukla]

Shame, Speedferries has been my preferred carrier for years now ...

Me too - specifically because you can get out of Dover without a 1 hour queue through immigration/customs at the Eastern Docks (P&O et al). But wouldn't be surprised at cash flow problems - the bargain ticket releases used to be about once a year - recently they have been more like once a month.

[Lorry]

Nothings being said about yesterdays talks, and its not over yet.

Looking at LDLines website, it looks like Boulogne have built them a nice new terminal and ramp.  I bet they're going to pay for it though.