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Is it the end for SeaFrance as all its services are suspended?

SeaFrance has suspended all services between Dover and Calais ahead of a court hearing tomorrow that could see the French ferry operator grouned altogether.

A statement on the front page of www.seafrance.com said today:

“We are approaching November 16th, the date when the decision of the Court of commerce will dictate the future of the Company, the Board of SeaFrance, and the Receivers have decided, in liaison with the French National Authorities, to suspend the ship operations on the 15th of November at 04 00 hours.

“We have taken this decision, with full knowledge of the consequences, to safeguard the security of the passengers, crews, vehicles and ships. We are conscious of the inconvenience this situation is causing and we apologise for this. We will keep you informed of any changes in the present situation.

“Should you need any further information, Please contact us on +44 (0) 845 458 0666 to speak to a member of staff.”

The rest of the website was inaccesible.

Passengers with tickets are being transferred to rival DFDS who, with LD Lines, are understood to have made a joint offer of €5m for the business. An employee co-operative has offered a peppercorn €1 for it.

Passengers are being advised to turn up at Dover as normal. SeaFrance passengers turning up at Calais today were being advised to make their own way to Dunkirk to catch the DFDS Seaways Dunkirk - Dover service..

P&O Ferries, which offers 23 sailings a day between Dover and Calais, is contesting any attempt by the French authorities to use “illegal” state aid to prop up French ferry operator, which went into administration in June last year.

It fears that SeaFrance may be sold for less than itx market value. It seems that, with this in mind, P&O Ferries may be blocking efforts by SeaFrance to switch passengers onto its ferries.

Passengers with tickets who no longer wish to travel should call 0845 458 0666 for a refund.

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