Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
I agree with Paul W there in that almost nobody wants the Eurotunnel idea, where they would buy the two ships and lease them out to someone else to run the operation. Too much of a prospect of monopolisation somewhere in that mix.
The best option is the LD Lines DFDS one as they are already in harmonious operation to Dunkerque but in a new development yesterday we saw French TV pictures of the same workers who lost their jobs, the same unions, demonstrating with a march through Calais central with banners saying..
" NON - LDA "
That was a turn up...would have thought they would be glad of a lifesaver. They want a lifesaver but they dont want LD Lines.
PS: LDA stands for Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, owners of LD LINES.
Further info also on our Frontpage.
I would really like a service that runs to Bolougne (sp?) I wouldnt know how viable that route is . I suspect its not viable or someone would have reinstated it by now
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Boulogne is a brilliant foot passenger day trip destination but not perfect for cars as it dumps you in the town centre. Also it can't take the big ferries without which reasonable fares can't be achieved.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
the subject crops up now and again about folkestone reinstating a service to boulogne.
i do not see it being viable unless it was just seasonal.
Guest 641- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,335
To have re-investment from LDA (LD Lines) in Dover is good news especially with co-involvement from DFDS
Reading PaulB's report on the french union's response to LD Lines involvement is baffling
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
possibly because ld lines will not put up with the behaviour of some sea france crew members.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
Perhaps they should have an English work-force then - makes more sense than the troublesome French unions.
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
that would work until calais blockaded uk crewed ferries.
.
i would think ld know what they are doing.
Alec Sheldon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 18 Aug 2008
- Posts: 1,037
If it wasn't for the French unions P&O would have Filipino crews by now working six months on and a month off.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
alec,so true.no wonder they [p&o] are not making a big enough profit.
Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,942
This is indeed sad times for seafance, and we ca only hope someone takes over and no one company gains a monopoly.
some interesting comments though from forumites;
1; is the workforce local? probably some, but its so easy to travel now that it's likely many won'tbe local but that said a job lost is a job lost.
2; i agree with peter bolougne is a lovely place, but ferry operators have tried this
route and it has never been viable
3; roger has suddenly come round to the UK workforce isnt made up of trade unionists who are troublesome(post 167)
4; and of course alec, we have a dilema which we have often in the past seen in
Dover, trade unions making a stand and your view on p and o as we have seen in the past with this company could well have led the route you spoke of
it is tragic to lose jobs, lets hope some of the positives of setting up a new
venture happen dover needs it to happen
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
kieth.p&o did operate a dover/bolougne route in the late 60's early 70's but townsend thoresson brought them out,sold the ships [but kept the crews].the ships where the tiger and lepord if memory serves me right [pheraps ed connel or alec sheldon could tell me if i am wrong].
Guest 708- Registered: 22 Dec 2010
- Posts: 102
Brian - It was the Lion, Tiger and I'm sure the other one was the Panther (Normandy Ferries)
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
And the Horsa/Hengist on Folkestone-Boulogne.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,888
My husband worked on both the Hengist and Horsa I loved doing day trips over to Boulogne especially on market day with all the local produce.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
paul,my memory is not as good as it used to be.
peter,i do beliuve they where sealink ferrys,britains answer to sncf.
Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,888
Sealink followed by Stena
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
I think they were BR then sealink.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
still state owned and run.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
Your point being.......?
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson