Speedferries closes with the loss of 100 jobs

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Attempts by joint administrators to Angela Swarbrick and Tom Burton to save the ailing fast ferry company Speedferries have failed, as they announced via the company's website this evening.

The company is going into liquidation, with the loss of 100 jobs at Dover.

The administrators from Ernst and Young who were appointed nearly two weeks ago, had been having encouraging talks with at least two other companies that had expressed an interest in buying the troubled ferry operator, with one said to be have been "very, very interested". 

There had been hope of securing a deal to sell Speedferries last week, when the ferry Speed One was released from arrest at Boulogne by the Commercial Court, but this has failed to tempt potential buyers to make any firm offers.  The boat is now located at Tilbury.

Kent Online reports that Dover MP Gwyn Prosser described it as a sad day for the town and for the staff, many of whom, he said, were new to the industry.  He said he was arranging for a specialist employment unit to contact the staff to advise them on what could be done.

The Speedferries website carried the following message:

"The Joint Administrators regretfully announce the closure of Speedferries Limited (in administration).  The Joint Administrators have been exploring every possible avenue to save the business since 12 November 2008 and it is unfortunate that a buyer for the business has not been found.

Speedferries Limited (in administration) will now cease to operate services between Dover and Boulogne and customers with pre-booked tickets are advised to seek alternative travel arrangements.

Customers who have booked by way of credit card should contact their credit card providers to determine if they are eligible to claim a refund for these now cancelled services.  All creditors, including customers who are affected by the cancelled crossings, will be contacted by the Joint Administrators in due course."