Euroferries Boulogne Ramsgate ferry service update

Not good news here I am sorry to say it looks as though this service has floundered.    

 Those interested in the recent situation with ferries at Ramsgate may find this video interesting.

Euroferries announce new trimaran service between Ramsgate and Boulogne

Here is the Euroferries press release.

Euroferries has entered into an agreement with global ship manufacturer Austal, securing the newly built 102m trimaran on a long term charter agreement which will operate this high-speed service. 

The Trimaran’s  state of the art design offers unprecedented sea keeping capabilities, utilising the softer roll of a monohull with the low resistance, stability and carrying capacity of a catamaran, affording unrivalled levels of passenger comfort for travelling across the channel at speed.

The vessel will arrive in January 2013, with the service becoming fully operational between Boulogne and Ramsgate during February 2013.

The service will offer 4 daily crossings, catering for passengers, cars and luxury coaches. The vessel is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 40 knots thus enabling Euroferries to provide one of the fastest channel crossings available.

Euroferries is responding to demand for a fast, efficient and passenger friendly crossing; Euroferries service will provide an “in-seat” shopping service, Wi-Fi Internet access, extensive onboard catering and shopping facilities and easy motorway access to and from both ports, developing and maintaining dedicated customer focus for this unique experience. 
Euroferries will also be introducing an express coach service to operate between Ramsgate, Canterbury and London Victoria.
Euroferries chairman, Per Staehr would like to congratulate his team, Austal, Euroferries partners, Boulogne and Ramsgate ports and the state authorities for enabling them to get to this milestone of the project.

Here is the link to the charter agreement on the ferry manufacturer’s website http://www.austal.com/en/products-and-services/commercial-products/ferries-vehicle-passenger/next-generation-102m-trimaran.aspx

Here is the link to the BBC story http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-19997561

Euroferries service delayed there will be no sailing on Friday

I have just telephoned them, all customers that have booked in advance will be contacted and given a full refund.

While I have supported this venture and will continue to do so there is one aspect that I don’t understand and this concerns the Tax Free Shop in Ramsgate.

This is a quote from the Euroferries website: “After check-in, relax in our lounge and take some time to browse the tax free shopping and café before boarding for your destination.”

The Isle of Thanet Gazette has a picture of this shop in last week’s paper and the article says it has been refurbished.

Now my understanding is that tax free shops in UK Channel ports were banned by European Union legislation about 10 years ago.

Euroferries Ramsgate to Boulougne ferry service, update from Tenerife

HSC Bonanza, ready.
Dear Michael: Finally I went to the dock (Los LLanos), to know what was going on. Nobody was near the catamaran, outside, who could inform about (only amateur fishermans).

The starboard side is finished (fresh) also, 1400h. She could depart tomorrow morning. The voyage will take 2 and a half days, so if all is in accordance betewen Euroferries and Olsen, she will arrived long before next saturday. Saludos de Antonio desde Tenerife.

Euroferries update

Dear Michael: This time seems to be "more" serious.The first foto is from 3th Nov. with dim light Eurof is erased. Other (& the same cropped) from this afternoon 5th. Foto taken from 3km away, with cropping 1000 zoom eq.The work seems to be almost complete. Depart tomorrow...?? We will see. Saludos desde Tenerife. Antonio Sáez.

Ed sorry I think I may have put the pictures in upside down. Sorry again I mean in the wrong order the first shall be last and all that, we are all busy with the fireworks.

Euroferries Bonanza – all painted up and ready to go.

My understanding is that it is due to arrive in Bolougne over the weekend.

Stephen Ladyman MP said: “I can’t wait to see the vessel finally arrive in Ramsgate. It could make a real difference to the Town so I have all may fingers crossed.”

Euroferries Ramsgate/ Bologne service

Euroferries is pleased to confirm that the high speed ferry, Bonanza Express since last week has been undergoing final preparations by FOSA' in Tenerife for its transfer to Boulogne.
Arrangements including dreging are in hand at both Ports in support of Euroferries new Ramsgate/ Bologne service scheduled to commence on the 14th November.

Euroferries Bonanza Express on the move

I have just noticed that Bonanza express is on the move, despite rumours that she had been laid up and all her crew had been laid off she is moving towards Santa Cruz de Tenerife at 17.4 kn course 288 degrees.

Any ideas what this means for the Ramsgate Boulogne service.

I gather negotiations are continuing between TDC and Euroferries but not much else.

Click here to trak her
MarineTraffic.com

Ferry peculiar story

I don’t quite understand the story click here to read that the Bonanza Express will not fit in the harbour the Gardenia one of the ferries already using the port has dimensions of Length x Breadth: 118m X 20m Bonanza Express dimensions are Length x Breadth: 96m X 26m does this mean that she is too wide?

It really is very odd ship dimensions are hardly secret and one would expect the port authorities to know what size of vessel they can accommodate.

Update, I have discovered that this is due to modifications that need to be made to the roll on roll off bridge for the cars to get on and off the ferry.

Euroferries still working towards operating from Ramsgate

Euroferries have updated their website to the effect that preparation work is going on at the port and the service is due to start imminently.

The Bonanza Express is still tied up at Las Palmas de Gran Caneria you can click here to see when she stars to move and plot her position.

As always click on the picture to enlarge it

Sunday Ramble

Having just come from the Euroferries posting on The Big Blog see http://ademdjemil.co.uk/blog/?p=1359 it does look as though Bonanza Express is being prepared for service, you can keep track of her at http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?mmsi=224768000 if you click on the “Last Position Received” you can plot her on the map, once she gets underway.

You can also keep an eye on the shipping at Ramsgate http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/default.aspx?level0=100 which is rather fun.

We also have the prospect of Preston Steam Museum http://www.thesteammuseum.org/ with their considerable resources revitalising the maritime museum and restoring the long neglected steam tug Cervia.

Anyone who has been to Preston Steam Rally will know that when they talk of organising a program of events they really mean business click on the links for pictures http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/psr2008/ and http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/prestonsteamrally/more_steam_engines_for_sale.htm

The really attractive thing that we have to offer tourists in East Kent is our wealth of heritage, Ramsgate with its harbour, architecture parks and gardens is particularly well placed to benefit from this.

I will probably add to this ramble if I get a bit more time today.

I have published a few pictures from my copy of the Kentish Traveller, that I am preparing for reprint click on the link to look at them http://www.michaelsbookshop.com/blogpicts2/id81.htm