. . . New gateway to the Continent
Page 41
Page 42
Page 43
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
John Durant talks to the ferry lines that are aiming to make Ramsgate a more important ro-ro port
CAN RAMSGATE become to Dover in roll-on/off terms what Gatwick is to Heathrow in air traffic?
Before it can have a chance to do that on a comparable scale the harbour must be further improved and other ferry operators enticed by Sally Port Management, which is part of Sally the Viking Line (parent company: Rederiaktiebolaget Sally in Finland).
A step in the right direction has been the attraction to Ramsgate of Schiaffino Freight Ferries — a French-owned freight-only line running every day to Ostend.
"Schiaffino," says the company, "is able to offer competitive rates and service for discerning hauliers or operators who pride themselves in looking after their customers. In addition, the new port of Ramsgate has improved parking space with 'free' standing time of up to four days plus the capability of being to accommodate, accompanied or unaccompanied, the majority of normal hazardous and abnormal loads."
The Kent resort of Ramsgate, 67 miles from London, is not a town readily associated with shipping. It was a small fishing port that joined the confederation of Cinque ports and had its harbour enlarged during the 19th century. An obelisk records that George IV departed from the port for Hanover in 1821.
Now, the ro-ro ferries use land reclaimed from the sea fronting the cliffs on which holidaymakers stroll. But the great days of English seaside holidaywalking have gone. Passenger ro-ro to the Continent has contributed to that. However, the harbour remains a popular base for small pleasure craft; many of them are anchored not too many yards from Volkswagen's large car ferry terminal in the old port.
I motored passed these boats to the new section under Port Sally Management control, where my first port of call was the offices of Schiaffino (Trailer Line Services is a subsidiary) to meet John Walmsley, commercial manager, UK. He explained that two vessels — Rose Schiaffino and Catherine Schiaffino — belonging to his line had been operating twice daily to Ostend since February 29. A third, the Schiaffino, which was based at Shoreham (CM August 7, 1982) and then at Dover, had joined them since March 1. Normal Ramsgate departures are at 01.30, 13.30 and 19.00 hours (depart Ostend 09.00, 16.00 and 24.00 hours).
Drivers are required to ensure that they are cleared of Customs and port formalities and ready to load to the vessel at least two hours before the published departure times. All hazardous loads — a Schiaffino speciality — must be pre-booked and declared at the time of booking.
The Schiaffino was moved from Dover because the Harbour Board wanted to reclaim its berth on the eastern arm and the alternative arrangements offered were unacceptible, he said. They meant modifying the vessel drastically or buying a large pontoon.
The Shoreham service had become unprofitable largely because of the attitude of Dieppe's dockers. His company had liked Shoreham, he said, even with its mile-long in-lock approach. He believes it would be a good spot if money was spent on turning it into a proper ro-ro port.
"However, Ramsgate is working out very well," he said, "and we are very pleased with the co-operation given by Sally Port Management; everything is done to accommodate us. They had to build the port around us and reclaim the land from the sea."
The Sally line itself has been operating (Ramsgate/Dunkirk) only since 1981, the previous operator, Dunkirk-Ramsgate Ferries, having been forced into bankruptcy. The fishermen's blockade of the French Channel ports in 1980 was blamed for the demise of this firm, and not — significantly — poor traffic flows.
Sally ran into technical difficulties caused by choppy seas in Ramsgate Harbour. However, a new breakwater has been constructed and other improvements made.
What Sally is about (CM September 3, 1983) is providing an excellent service at extremely low costs. With the compliments of Sally Line, lorry drivers are able to enjoy breakfast on morning sailings and a full three-course dinner (or lighter Scandinavian-style Smorgasbord meal) on crossings later in the day. A private cabin for all professional drivers is also thrown in. This is particularly useful on late evening crossings because drivers can get their heads down. When our then CM reporter Mike Rutherford sampled the line last year he reported that the a la carte restaurant deserved a mention in the next edition of the Egon Ronay Good Food Guide and that the breakfast was superb.
Sally claims that Ramsgate will become one of Britain's first 24-hour harbours unrestricted by tidal variation, allowing six or more ships with 6.5-metre draughts to berth comfortably.
"Sally's freight tariff is simple and highly competitive," said Simon Taylor, sales and marketing manager (freight). "We charge £11 per metre for customers buying a book of 25 prepaid vouchers in advance, each voucher valid for one crossing; voucher holders on morning crossings pay £10 per metre.
"The charge is E11.50 per metre on morning sailings and £12.50 per metre on evening sailings for customers paying cash or cheque on the day of departure; and £15 per metre for account customers paying within 30 days of the date of invoice. These rates are fully inclusive of bunker and currency charges."
Sally operates two return sailings each day (four each way during the July 3-September 23 period). During this summer the Njegos departs 09.00 and 16.30 (departs Dunkirk 13.30 and 21.00) and the Viking at 11.00 and 21.00 (Dunkirk 08,00 and 18.30 hours).
Ramsgate, he pointed out, is the same distance from London as is Dover and import clearance fast and efficient. "Transit without permit is allowed from Dunkirk — which is on the autoroute — along the RN40 to the Belgian/French border at Gheyvelde, just 15 miles away. This makes Sally's service ideal for the Benelux countries, Germany and beyond."
While Schiaffino takes freight only, Sally takes a lot of passengers. The two lines fit in well together.
Schiaffino calls itself "The Friendly Ferries" and likes to spread its business between a number of small hauliers. The company is long established — SAN. Charles Schiaffino was operating on the French North African trade a century ago (one ship is now on charter in the Mediterranean Sea). It prides itself on personal service and in Ramsgate now offers, through its T.L.S. subsidiary agent, the facility of a comprehensive Customs clearance service.
All its vessels are equipped for driver accompanied vehicles, with cabins and adjacent shower and toilet facilities. The crews are French and with that comes real French cooking runny Camembert cheese and all that. The meals are complimentary.
While the harbour is still being improved, Schiaffino has only ever lost a couple of Ramsgate sailings through bad weather. "We are fortunate in our boys and the size of ships means that they can negotiate the weather better than pas senger ships," said John.
"And we have had a new link span since June; it's wider and more substantial and leads to much faster loading. We can take up to 200 tons distributed weight and have a big stern door for abnormal loads. Last weekend we took a railway diesel engine a 100-ton lump en route for Stuttgart. We carry a lot of vats for the brewing industry.
"Our customers have stayed with us through the difficulties of our move from Dover and we have improved throughout by coming to Ramsgate. There's fierce competition all along this coast. There's over-capacity. We must not get silly on rates but maintain a marketable rate tariff within the industry. Our customers can buy vouchers on a linear metrage rate, pay cash on the day or arrange credit. Our rates are structured on the volume and throughput customers give us. Of course, we like a cash up-front situation.
"However, the traffic potential is good: in the past 12 months there has been a 25 per cent increase in carryings. We have a preferential rate for empty trailers in order to encourage westbound traffic. We can assist hauliers in various ways. To help exports we have a 15 per cent reduction on daylight sailings.
"We keep close in contact with customers no matter how big or small; we have reps on the road as far as Scotland. We can call on a customer if a flow of traffic is available and within 24 hours give a written quote. I go out on the road myself. Our trade is split around 50/50 between Birmingham and the north, and south of there."
Sally Line, which has a 125year lease on the terminal, has more to gain when a detached breakwater, being constructed in order to break up winter gales, is finished in October. One of its vessels, the Viking, plies under the Finnish flag and the other, the Njegos, under the Yugoslavian flag. The crews are a mixture of Finns, French and Yugoslays.
Sally's ships also carry coaches, cars and foot-passengers. The intention is to bring other ferry operators to Ramsgate: one or two are currently showing interest, I am told. The company claims: "We're opening a new gateway for Britain."