SeaFrance suspends all cross-Channel services
French ferry operator SeaFrance has suspended all services between Dover and Calais ahead of a court hearing tomorrow that will decide the fate of the ailing company.
Passengers with tickets are being transferred to DFDS sailings from Dover to Dunkirk and are being advised to turn up at Dover as normal. SeaFrance passengers turning up at Calais today were being advised to make their own way to Dunkirk.
"We have tried to get space on other ferries from Calais but we haven't managed it so far," said a SeaFrance operator. P&O Ferries offers 23 sailings a day between Dover and Calais, but the company has complained to the European Commission that SeaFrance, currently owned by French rail operator SNCF, may be sold for less than its market value.
Rivals DFDS and LD Lines are believed to have made a joint offer of €5m for the business while an employees co-operative has offered €1 to buy SeaFrance. While such a sale remains a possiblity, P&O is evidentally refusing to help out its striken competitor.
"Fortunately there is space on DFDS ferries though as this is a particularly quiet time of year," added the SeaFrance operator. DFDS has 12 crossings a day.
Passengers with tickets who no longer wish to travel should call 0845 458 0666 for a refund.
SeaFrance has been in administration since June last year and the Court of Administration will decide tomorrow whether the operator will be sold or shut down.
A statement on www.seafrance.com said the Board and the receivers had decided, in liaison with the French authorities, to suspend operations from 4am today.
"We have taken this decision, with full knowledge of the consequences, to safeguard the security of the passengers, crews, vehicles and ships," it said. "We are conscious of the inconvenience this situation is causing and we apologise for this. We will keep you informed of any changes in the present situation."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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