SEA CONTAINERS is to launch a Hoverspeed fast-ferry crossing from Newhaven-Dieppe in the wake of P&O Stena Line’s withdrawal from the route.
P&O Stena officially informed employees it was pulling out at meetings on both sides of the Channel on Friday.
Employee representatives were told of the plans to redeploy 118 French seafarers from the vessel Stena Cambria to other parts of its operations.
Representatives of Newhaven’s 80 affected staff have been told of details about their pay-offs. Stena Cambria will make its last crossing from Newhaven at 9.30pm on January 31 this year.
Sea Containers, which owns Newhaven port, now plans to launch a Hoverspeed-operated SuperSeaCat fast-ferry service, taking 2hrs, on the route.
Initially the service will run on a seasonal basis from April 10 to October 31 with two daily return trips. Departures from Newhaven will be 8.30am and 3.30pm, returning from Dieppe at 1pm and 8pm.
From July 15 to September 5, there will be three crossings – at 7.30am, 2pm and 8.30pm returning from Dieppe at 11.45am, 6.15pm and 12.45am. A schedule of three daily departures will also operate at peak times including Friday to Sunday from May 14 to July 14 and September 6 to 26.