December 13, 2000 Fast car ferry operator Hoverspeed is set to dramatically transform its cross channel fleet in 2001 on the short sea routes between Dover to Calais and Ostend. From March the company will be introducing a fleet of three superseacat monohull high speed craft which, with an average age of just two years, will see Hoverspeed operating the newest vessels on the English Channel. The superseacat introduction will focus on the key Dover - Calais route, doubling car and passenger capacity and re-establishing the fastest, surface port to port crossing time of just 35 minutes - as pioneered by Hoverspeed during the previous 32 years of hovercraft flights. Operating from Hoverspeed's exclusive terminals, cross channel customers will experience the fastest turn up and go, seamless service between Dover and Calais with up to 10 return sailings daily. For the first time ever, a superseacat will also operate a service from Dover to Ostend, the sole cross channel link between the UK and Belgium. Crossing time will be 1 hour 45 minutes. With additional seacat services, up to three return sailings daily will be provided. Geoffrey Ede, Hoverspeed Managing Director said: "Superseacats will bring new standards of style, comfort, service and speed to the cross channel market and give Hoverspeed a major competitive edge, particularly on the high profile Dover - Calais route. This exciting development to our fleet will make 2001 a landmark year for Hoverspeed and give passengers a truly unique way of crossing the channel." At 100m long, superseacats will be the largest monohull fast ferries operating in UK waters and have capacity for 700 passengers and 145 vehicles. The state-of-the-art car ferries, built in Italy by Fincantieri, can operate at speeds of up to 40 knots. On board service and facilities will feature all that passengers have come to expect from Hoverspeed. This includes airline-style, at-seat service for refreshments and shopping, or alternatively visit the craft's on board shop, panorama bar and café. There is also an outside deck, together with a bridge viewing area, from where passengers can observe the captain and crew. Hoverspeed's exclusive 1st service will also be a key feature on superseacats. Each craft provides a 1st lounge for up to 40 passengers. An upgrade supplement gives passengers priority loading and unloading, access to the on board 1st lounge, complimentary drinks and meals. The major transformation to Hoverspeed's cross channel fleet will effect changes to the company's fast ferries on other services in 2001. The Newhaven - Dieppe route, a seasonal service between 31 March and 31 October, will be operated by an 81 metre seacat. With a crossing time of 2 hours and up to three return sailings daily, the craft has capacity for 675 passengers and 145 vehicles.Press Release Media contact: Nick Stevens, Public Relations Manager Telephone: (01304) 865170 |