2015 Introduces New Prospects For English Channel Crossings

Nov. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- Following the announcement earlier this year by Euroferries Express to add a standalone coach service linking their proposed Ramsgate to Boulogne ferry service with a Kent to London coach link, project & construction facilitators Rees Mellish Limited have been commissioned to design and construct a new coach station at Ramsgate port.

This new facility will provide a bright and inviting focal point at the port offering lasting community benefits and providing a first class facility for passengers and the community using the anticipated ferry link from Boulogne or commencing their UK journey from Ramsgate.

The new coach station design is deemed to provide an optimum facility in terms of both site layout and accommodation provision whilst at the same time being easily accessible and user friendly;

•       Become a visitor destination

•       Enhance the quality of the environment in which it sits

•       Improve access, movement and transport

•       Promote investment and business development

Euroferries Express has emphasised that the scale of the building must respect the historical scale of surrounding properties whilst responding to the needs of a fully functional and busy coach station facility. Material selection and use of lighting seek to lift the area, particularly with the increased level of use the coach station will bring to the port at the same time addressing amenity, safety and comfort.

Key aims for their proposed new coach station include a contemporary passenger concourse with high quality waiting facilities and ancillary accommodation; enhance transport in the area by facilitating the coach services to a number of nationwide, European and local destinations; improve access to economic activity in the town centre and local community by enhancing transport connections; support the aspirations of Thanet District Council and Ramsgate Parish Council; act as a catalyst for the comprehensive regeneration of the Port of Ramsgate; generate additional employment opportunities.

The primary objectives of the proposed new development have been:

•       To enhance and emphasise primary access to port and town centre by introduction of a new transport link;

•       To complement the regeneration of the Port of Ramsgate;

•       To encourage the use of transport links by facilitating a number of nationwide end destinations at affordable fare prices.

•       To improve the built environment with the introduction of progressive, contemporary design;

•       To be energy sufficient using renewable energy source systems

•       Providing safe, reliable, convenient and affordable transport alternatives to the car thereby reducing carbon emissions and its effects

Reinforced by the proposal to obtain successful delivery of a new 99 metre dual fuel high speed ferry with passenger capacity in excess of 1000. Incat of Tasmania, recently delivered “Francisco” the world’s first dual-fuel (MGO and LNG) high speed passenger vessel to South America.

Euroferries Express will be providing a similar vessel to Francisco, combining vehicle capacity of up to 150 vehicles enables it to cater for its planned coaches and those of its coach operating partners, tourist cars, motorcycles at the same time meeting its long time commitment, to carry foot passengers. At 99 metre overall length the smaller dimension provides the right balance of capacity and operational needs.  The powertrain of ‘Francisco’ comprises two 22MW GE LM2500 gas turbines driving Wartsila LJX 1720 SR waterjets.

Further, supporting the investment is the announced bulk fuel delivery vehicle refilling facility in Kent that shall provide the necessary fuel reliability.

The company is discussing with various vessel operators possible interim and parallel arrangements to permit the introduction of the service in advance of the new build.

Significant investments by the company in the transportation and static assets is prepared.  Detailed plans are being developed to deliver the overall plan and more information will be made available when appropriate and as permitted by restrictions imposed through confidentiality agreements.

Euroferries Express wishes to thank its shareholders and supporters for their loyal backing and looks forward to continued co-operation in this exciting venture.

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For more information on Euroferries express please contact Lynn on 01342 324513 or email: lynn@goodcompanypublicity.co.uk