New service scheduled for French port

The future takes shape

At the official reception hosted by the Boulogne-sur-Mer Chamber of Commerce last November, Chikara Shipping and BGV France signed an agreement covering the introduction of five large trimarans on routes from Boulogne to the United Kingdom, Norway and Spain.

Chikara Shipping is a recently formed subsidiary of Chikara Holdings International.

BGV is an acronym for Bateau à Grande Vitesse. Prior to the official signing, John Paul Airs, the Chief Executive officer of Chikara Skipping recalled that when the French and British Governments had signed an agreement to develop the Concorde supersonic airlines, it had been said that in future there would only be two types of airliners, Concorde and the rest.

A new concept

BVG’s concept is a central hull with rear outriggers immersed stabilizer foils and ground effect winglets combine technological features to give very important advantages in stability, safety and ability to sail in rough seas. Worldwide patents have been obtained for these features.

Boulogne’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry will invest €20m in new ro-ro berths for BGV services as well as traditional ro-ro services. A site has been cleared and complete design and assembly and work is due to be completed by mid 2008.

The President of the Chamber of Commerce, Francis Leroy is pleased with the schedule. “We are convinced that BGV services can attract road hauliers between the countries,” says Leroy,. “These hauliers will operate to and from, notably for the transport of fish, seafood and fresh produce. We also believe that this is an important way to support EU initiatives to move freight cargo off the roads.”

The Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, is a major French fishing port. The Port is responsible for importing around 300,000 tons of fish per year for its own industries. The Port is considered to be the premier European Centre for the transformation, commercialisation and distribution of seafood products.

The Port of Boulogne-sur-Mer is ideally situated being in the immediate vicinity of the busiest navigation channel in the world and at the junction between the Channel and the North Sea. As a port it has a multitude of activities. It is the premier fishing port of France; a high-performing commercial port; and a marina which is constantly expanding devolping the burgeoing tourist industry associated wioth the region.

“Our main exporter is Norway but today there is no other alternative than a transport by truck. BGV will bring this alternative. Faster, cheaper logistics will ameliorate the complete chain,” adds Leroy.

Based on service speed of 32 knots, the journey time would be about 1h45 bows to Sheerness and 20 hours for both Boulogne-Drammen and Boulogne-Santander/Vigo. All ports concerned have signed a partnership agreement allowing them to study and organize the necessary infrastructures.

Spreading the good news

The Chamber of Commerce of Boulogne, Chikara, BGV are keen to maximise the presence of the new shipping line and the opportunity it brings to the region. All three are to join forces to promote this exciting new venture visiting various trade shows and exhibitions during the Spring and Summer of 2007.

Dates include the following dates: Fruit and Vegetables in Berlin, February 7th to 10th, Hall 1-2 E11C; Oslo North Atlantic Seafood, February 27/28; SITL Paris, March 27/29.