News

Channel Tunnel chief, Jacques Gounon has attacked suggestions that Eurotunnel could have played a role in the demise of ferry operator SeaFrance.

In a letter to shareholders, Gounon said: "Don't let anyone suggest that we are somehow responsible for SeaFrance's collapse when it is quite easy to see what has happened.

"The union that put forward the buy-out proposal explained that the unit price for each crossing would need to increase by €50 for SeaFrance to break even."

"This provided an idea of the price war which had raged on the Dover Straits and consequently the likelihood of future price increases," he added.

Gounon has also hit out at what he describes as the "total confusion" surrounding the fate of SeaFrance which followed a Paris commercial court's ruling to postpone its decision.

The court proposed  the buy-out plan be considered on 3 January 2012 despite the recommendation on 19 December by the receiver, that the business should cease.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©