Delay in Starting Dutch Ferry?
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MEGOT1ATIONS are still proceeding 11 between Continental Lines, lad., and British transport authorities on the establishment of a ferry-boat service for commercial vehicles from Tilbury to the Continent, probably Rotterdam. These talks have now lasted for several months, and it is feared that the proposed service will not be opened on the scheduled date of July I. Moreover, an understanding between Continental Lines. Ltd., and the Rotterdam port authorities has not yet been reached.
Most of the difficulties at the British end are said to arise from the nationalization of long-distance road haulage. On the Dutch side, the Government and the N.I.W.O. (national organization of international road hauliers) are co-operating fully, but some difficulties have arisen on the question of who is going to pay for harbour facilities at Rotterdam. Hauliers in Holland, as well as in other countries, are hoping for a quick decision. In a few weeks the export campaign for fresh fruits and vegetables will begin, and a ferry-boat service would be of great advantage. Not only would there be new opportunities of international road transport, now that it is feared that tile services to Czechoslovakia will be hampered, but growers are in favour of the scheme, as the vegetables would have to be handled only once. It is believed that the service would best be operated by specially built trailers. These would be taken over by Kritish tractors in the United Kingdom.