New Ferry Service Dashed

A DOVER firm's 11-month bid to buy an American fast ferry was rejected last week. Other potential buyers are now being considered.

Last May Euroferries, headed by former Hoverspeed boss Geoffrey Ede, agreed to buy the 86.6 metre catamaran the Spirit of Ontario.

But the $16.1million ship remained in the dock of its current owner, the City of Rochester in New York State, after the deal failed to complete, finally moving to a port in the eastern Canadian province of Nova Scotia earlier this year.

Last week Euroferries' representatives flew to America for make or break talks with the city, which had long-signalled its impatience at the sale's delay.

On Saturday Rochester's mayor Robert Duffy said the company's latest offer had been rejected because it had been presented with conditions attached. He added: "I can't speak about specifics. What I can say is, enough is enough."

Two other bidders, who have not been named but are not thought to be UK-based firms, also travelled for talks with the city with the possibility one could now reach a sale agreement.

Euroferries may also return with a revised offer though industry insiders fear that even if it did, the timing could damage the company's prospects for this year.

One insider, who did not wish to be named, said: "Easter is a busy and crucial time for all the cross-Channel operators - if you're not running then you may as well forget it."

Euroferries had previously stated it wished to run services to Boulogne and Calais, providing the quickest service on offer to both ports.

It had reached an agreement with Dover Harbour Board over the use of the western docks but the facility has now been leased to rival operator Speedferries, after they struck a deal with the Harbour Board last month. If the new firm were to come into service it would have to apply for a berthing slot in the Eastern Docks.

icKent

23 March 2007