New livestock crossing rival
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by Juliet Morrison
• Livestock hauliers will be able to counter restrictions imposed on them by the major cross-Channel ferry operators if a new Harwich to Boulogne service is approved.
As CM went to press a newly-formed company, MT Shipping, was waiting for the go-ahead to run a daily six-hour crossing.
The company_ which has declined to reveal its backers, claims that it will charge hauliers 10-15% less than existing ferry operators. It says it has around 20 hauliers wanting to use the crossing.
It plans to charter a ferry with capacity for up to 100 trucks. On Friday it was await
ing approval from marine safety officials and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
MT Shipping wants to restrict its roll-on roll-off vessel to carrying trucks.
We feel that a predominantly passenger ferry service cannot cater for live animals, not only because they are kept in a confined space and an atmosphere fit for vehiclesnot ani mals but also there is no area designated at the dock-side for unloading and resting the animals," it says.
The company plans to have qualified vets and care assistants on board, and at the docks, and to install dock-side pens.
Contact (0753) 710422.