PAY UP FRANCE

By SINEAD HANNA

THE Government is to seek compensation from the French authorities after industrial action in Calais brought much of Kent to a standstill. More than 1,000 lorries were left stranded on the M20 after French workers went on strike over the sacking of a female cleaner. Many more motorists endured days of disruption to routes throughout the county..

The unannounced dispute cost the UK economy an estimated £5 million. Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman told Kent on Sunday :“I will investigate if we can claim compensation from the French Government on behalf of those affected.

“I would certainly be supportive of anyone who is now trying to recover their losses as a result of this strike.”

The Freight Transport Association estimates the strike action cost the UK freight industry more than £2m, in addition to “pain, delays and discomfort” for lorry drivers and motorists stuck in traffic. (…)

Sheerness : the new gateway to Europe ?

By DAVID CASTLE

david.castle@kosmedia.co.uk Business news online

www.kentnews.co.uk

Ferry service could create up to 2,000 jobs

AROUND 2,000 jobs could be created at the Port of Sheerness if plans to create a ‘motorway-style’ network of sea crossings between the UK, France, Norway and Spain, come to fruition.

This week saw the official signing of the multi-million pound purchase of five BGVs – Bateau Grande Vitesse – by Chikara Shipping.

The company plans to develop passenger and freight routes across Europe, with Sheerness earmarked as one of five ports initially linked into the high-speed network.

Chikara Shipping’s owners have identified Sheerness as a strategic point of entry into the UK, especially with the 2012 Olympics in mind. The planned service will enable passengers to make use of both road and rail access to the nearby London Arena.

The other connecting ports are : Boulogne (France), Drammen (Norway), Santander (Spain) and Vigo (Spain).

Further ports are expected to be included as the programme develops, with the first commercial crossings scheduled to take place in the summer of 2008.

Investment

It is expected to mark a major investment at Sheerness to accommodate the new BGV vessels. “The plan has been evolving over the last three years,” said Paul Glock, marketing manager at the Port of Sheerness. “Although it is not yet fully formed, there will be sizeable employment opportunities.”

A new terminal will be created at the port, while Chikara shipping will also take over the existing terminal.

He was, however, confident the scheme would get the green light – which would have positive benefits for the county.

“We will see passengers coming back into the port,” said Mr Glock. “Chikara sees this is the first step, with other capitals added into the network as it develops.”

The BGV planned for Sheerness will carry around 240 cars and 10 coaches, with a capacity of around 1,500 passengers in five daily return trips. Journey time between Sheerness and Boulogne will be under two hours.

Jean Paul Airs, CEO of Chikara Shipping, believes Sheerness will become a terminus to rival Dover, particularly given recent problems with striking French workers at Calais – as was the case this week.

He said : “Our service will not only be quicker, and we expect it create a whole new method of transport – with Kent having a major role to play.”

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