Fast-ferry service set for September start ;
Pen has been put to paper to ensure a fast-ferry service between Ramsgate and Bolougne.The 75-minute Euroferries cross-Channel service will provide a new link between Kent and France and run five times a day from September, according to Thanet council.
It will be operated by Euroferries and Fred Olsen and was unveiled on Friday last week.
The Bonanza Express catamaran, which has a top speed of 38 knots, will carry a combination of cars, coaches, freight, caravans and foot passengers.
On board it offers a tax-paid shopping area as well as restaurants, first-class area and lounges.
Thanet council has also revealed that a second vessel could join the route in 2010 to increase passenger capacity.
Roger Latchford, deputy leader of Thanet council, said: “The council has been working very hard to regenerate the area of Thanet and this additional ferry service, which will operate from Ramsgate, will provide much-needed employment opportunities as well as greatly enhance tourism prospects to the area.
“The quick crossing times and easy access into both ports will make this service an attractive alternative route into France and will really prove an invaluable part of the wider regeneration of the district.”
Thanet South MP Stephen Ladyman says he introduced the operator to Thanet council and has been working over the last year to help push along discussions.
“Potentially it could bring a lot of money into the local economy and transform the prospects for the port.
“It has taken a lot of work by a lot of people to get the project this far, so we now just have to keep our fingers crossed,” he said.
Thanet council had announced the route in January and it was expected to start in spring.
However, the operation did not materialise and led some to question whether the service would start at all.
Peter Campbell, deputy leader of the Labour group in Thanet, also welcomed the news.
He said: “This is really good news for Ramsgate and Thanet.
“Our Labour group supports an expanding and vibrant port, creating new jobs and boosting the local economy. May this service flourish.”
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