New ferry hits snag

CROSS-Channel travellers face disappointment this weekend after the Newhaven-Dieppe Superseacat ferry failed to return from its winter refit.

Up to 200 people turned up to welcome the fast ferry at a new season open day at Newhaven Harbour on Saturday.

But it failed to show, leaving disappointed sightseers on the quayside. However, people looking forward to a tour of the vessel were all given free tickets for a trip on the cross-Channel route.

But then in a double blow, Hoverspeed announced on Tuesday that there had been 'unforseen' technical problems with the Superseacat One and it would not be in Newhaven for the start of the new season today (Friday).

It will remain berthed in Portsmouth while engineers work around the clock to get the ship up and running for the busy Easter weekend.

Newhaven Hoverspeed route manager Nick Stevens said it was unlikely to sail into Newhaven until the start of next week at the earliest.

He said: 'Hoverspeed wishes to apologise for any inconvenience caused to passengers. We will ensure alternative arrangements are made for those who still want to travel this weekend.'

As a result travellers planning to embark on their first fast ferry day trips of the year face a journey to Dover to cross to Calais, or a four-hour crossing on the conventional Transmanche ferry Dieppe. Others can re-book for another date.

Last year the Transmanche Sardinia Vera was banned from carrying passengers when it was discovered its crew lacked essential emergency drill skills.

Newhaven's MP Norman Baker was scathing in his criticism as cross-Channel services were hit again.

He said: 'There is the potential for an extremely successful parallel fast and conventional ferry service between Newhaven and Dieppe. But it is not helped by a succession of own goals which do more to disrupt and reduce confidence than anything else.

'The public have the right to expect a well run, reliable, punctual service just the same as they get in other ports along the south coast.'

Hoverspeed's technical problems may mean the Transmanche Dieppe will reap the benefit. Transmanche Newhaven operations manager Steve Forrest said: 'We will be helping Hoverspeed out with the transfer of their passengers.'

The Superseacat One sailed on the Dover/Calais route last year and replaces the catamaran Diamant on the Newhaven/Dieppe crossing. This year will be the first a Hoverspeed vessel has shared the route with the Transmanche Dieppe and Sardinia Vera passenger and freight ferries.