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Sealink's surprise bid
Page 8
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SEALINK British Ferries made a dramatic: last-minute appearance on the fixed link scene for the English Channel.
The biggest ferry operator on the short-sea AngloFrench and Anglo-Belgian routes put in a hid last week with its Channel Expressway for twin 50km bored road tunnels.
British Ferries did this on the last day when bids had to be made to the British and French Governments, which give their joint decision in January. And it did this while remaining a member of Flexilink, the group opposed to establishing a fixed link. It has a foot in both camps.
The cost of the Channel Expressway project expressed in 1985 prices is given at 1:2.1 billion, which undercuts its three main rivals.
These are the Channel Tunnel Group with a vehiclecarrying train tunnel at 5:2.3BN, Euro Route — drive-through bridge/tunnel/ bridge and separate rail tunnel at 5:4.713N; and Eurobridge — a drive-through bridge and separate rail tunnel at 15.9BN. Completion time in each case is live years.
The Channel Expressway is unusual in that it is planned to take road vehicle traffic and trains simultaneously. One passenger-only train, say, an hour would transit between (ram and midnight. Freight trains would run at night. Road traffic would be stopped before a train enters the tunnel. 'Hie train would be hauled by a British Ferries diesel locomotive and preceded by a control vehicle.
Alongside the slow lane would be a breakdown lane of at least two metres width. Rule of the road is keep to the rit!ht. The summary of the report Irons Channel Expressway (Transmache Express) says: "Rail tracks will be set so vehicle tyres will not normally engage them."
No hazardous cargoes would be permitted.
The charge for a laden lorry one-way is given as 050 including single driver (discount for below 15m and surcharge above 15m); cars 1:40 single with driver.
• Townsend Thoresen told CM that if a fixed link at Dover is established, it will undercut its rates with a service of jumbo ferries.
THE AIM of the British and French governments is to decide by mid-January which fixed link Channel crossing — if any — they approve, says Transport Secretary Nicholas Ridley.
If that timetable is met, the way will be clear for the conclusion of a treaty with France towards the end of February and in the introduction of legislation into Parliament by Easter, with construction of a link beginning by mid-1987.