Speed Ferries
SpeedFerries
SpeedFerries is a low cost ferry operator which started in 2004. It operates one route between Dover in England and Boulogne in France. It currently has only one high-speed ferry, called SpeedOne – a wave-piercing catamaran – which can accommodate up to 200 cars and 800 passengers per sailing. SpeedFerries founder and CEO is Curt Stavis, originally from Denmark.
It is the first low-cost ferry operator in the English Channel, and has faced considerable opposition from the existing ferry operators, whom SpeedFerries accuses of acting unfairly and using illegal practices. These allegations include blocking berths to prevent ferries docking, spying, and hoax bomb scares. In response, SpeedFerries liveried their ship with ‘Fight the Pirates’ slogans.
History
After the opening of the Dover-Boulogne route on the 19 May 2004, SpeedFerries realised that the concept of a ferry service introducing low-cost airline styled pricing to the ferry market was so unpopular within the industry that SpeedFerries found itself in a very hostile market. Strong support by loyal customers during the start-up period and the determination of SpeedFerries to “Fight the Pirates” saved the company and secured the success of the Dover-Boulogne fast ferry service.
The service resulted in a 50% reduction in the average sales price of car tickets on the Dover Straits. After two years of operation SpeedFerries had won 12% of the passenger vehicle market and two awards, and reached its original objective of delivering a “50% cheaper, 50% faster product” to cross-Channel travellers.
In 2007, much to the frustration of a large number of the UK’s motorcycling public, SpeedFerries announced that it could no longer carry motorcycles on its ferry. It argued that as a low cost ferry company it was essential that it maintained a tight schedule, and that this included a fast turn-around in port. Too much time was required to securely lash motorcycles onboard, which was not only affecting its schedule but the lashings were not secure enough to prevent numerous expensive damage claims. Since then, state of the art stowage racks have been introduced and motorcyclists are being welcomed again.
