March 12, 2001 Hoverspeed’s Superseacats enter cross channel service from Monday 19 March, transforming the company’s short sea fleet on the Dover - Calais and Ostend routes. The state-of-the-art high speed car ferries will focus on the key Dover – Calais service, increasing car and passenger capacity and providing a crossing time of just 40 minutes. Operating from Hoverspeed’s exclusive terminals, cross channel customers will experience a fast turn up and go service between Dover and Calais with up to 10 return sailings daily. For the first time ever, a Superseacat will also operate on the Dover to Ostend route, the sole cross channel link between the UK and Belgium. Crossing time will be just two hours with three return sailings daily. Hoverspeed’s three Superseacats will be the largest and newest – with an average age of just two years – fleet of high speed car ferries operating on the English Channel. The Italian built craft are 100 metres long, have capacity for 700 passengers and 145 cars, and can operate at speeds of up to 40 knots. Geoffrey Ede, Hoverspeed’s Managing Director said: “This exciting development to our fleet will make 2001 a landmark year for Hoverspeed. Superseacats will bring new standards of style, comfort and speed to ferry travel and give passengers a truly unique way of crossing the channel.” On board service and facilities will feature all that passengers have come to identify with Hoverspeed. This includes airline-style, at-seat service for refreshments and shopping, or visit the craft’s on board shop, panorama bar and café. There is an outside deck, together with a bridge viewing area, from where passengers can observe the captain and crew. A key feature of the new Superseacats will be Hoverspeed’s exclusive 1st service. Each craft provides a 1st lounge for up to 40 passengers. An upgrade supplement includes priority loading and unloading, complimentary drinks, snacks, a choice of menu on longer crossings and newspapers. Superseacat’s first sailing on Monday 19 March will be the 0730 from Dover to Calais and 1030 from Dover to Ostend. The third Superseacat enters service from 6 April.Press Release Media contact: Nick Stevens, Public Relations Manager Telephone: (01304) 865170 |