Seafrance in jeopardy while Euroferries start new cross-Channel ferry service

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SeaFrance has been given 4 weeks to turn around its fortunes, after its parent company rejected a rescue plan, according to the BBC, whilst Euroferries have announced a new fast-ferry service between Ramsgate and Boulogne.

SeaFrance currently operates between Dover and Calais is owned by the state-owned rail operator SNCF. Following a meeting between both companies, SeaFrance has been ordered to come up with a new rescue plan by 16 February.

The economic down-turn is said to account for much of the company's ailing fortunes, with a drop in freight traffic hitting the company particularly hard, resulting in significant losses.

The cross-Channel market is about to get tougher, with the announcement of a new high-speed service by the company Euroferries, who plan to operate a new service between Ramsgate and Boulogne, using a state-of-the-art fast ferry capable of making the crossing in 75 minutes.

The new service will start in Spring 2009, accommodating cars, coaches and foot passengers. They also plan to offer an express coach service linking the ferry terminal in Ramsgate to London.