fast ferries of the English Channel

The competition among English Channel ferries is steep, and like any competition, the liners that ply along the channel either sail high or run aground in their operation. In 2009, among the liners that made top money along the English Channel is the Norfolkline, while one from Brittany Ferries fleet, the MV Barfleur, lost in the competition. The competition from budget airlines and the Eurotunnel trains made the English Channel even rougher to sail for liners with less at par fleets. The competition no longer boils down to the number of passengers a liner can stuff inside its ships, but on unique ferry services such as car ferries.

The English Channel ferry winner in 2009

Leading the English Channel ferries in 2009 is the Norfolkline particularly its Dover-Dunkirk operation. The liner’s marketing strategy proves unbeatable for 5 consecutive years now successfully stealing avid ship passengers from other liners. Norfolkline’s car ferry service to Dover port increased to 28% in 2009 from 4% in 2004 carrying over 800,000 cars across the English Channel in 2009. Norfolkline’s top executives say their new fleet additions, dedicated freight drivers’ area, and their choice of Dunkerque as port of call in France helped them win over their competition.

The economic casualty among the English Channel ferries

Brittany Ferries’ MV Barfleur is the economic casualty in 2009. The company pulled out the ferry from their Poole-Cherbourg operation because of the dwindling passenger number that makes loses after loses since 2003. The pulling out of MV Barfleur in service is not only a blow to Brittany Ferries, but it’s also a great blow to the tourism industry in Dorset said Poole councilor Ron Barker. The freight and the super craft service of Brittany Ferries on the same route, however, is still doing well in 2009.

Other English Channel popular liners

Besides Norfolkline and Brittany Ferries, there are other major players that ply along the English Channel. For instance, P&O Ferries operate fast crafts, supper ferries, and luxury liners that connect UK to Spain, France, and Holland, and their fleet are among the best performer in 2009. Other players include Stena Line, Sea France, DFDS Seaways, and Irish Ferries.

These liners provide car ferry service, holiday package, freight, and foot passenger service that plays vital role in the economy of northern Europe. Therefore, any loss from these fleets will not only hurt a single company but it will have an impact to tourism and commerce in Europe, too.