Vox Gibraltar News: ALGECIRAS FERRY SERVICE IS TO BE DISCONTIUED

ALGECIRAS FERRY SERVICE IS TO BE DISCONTIUED
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Vox Editor on 28 January, 2012 12:38

The Government understands that the Company has outstanding debts of circa
€240,000 owed to both Gibraltar and Spanish companies.

No Change in Government Policy over Algerciras Ferry Medexlines, the operator of
the Gibraltar/Algeciras ferry, has issued a press statement giving notice that
the service is to be discontinued. The Company states that the main investor
behind the business has pulled out and there are no funds to continue the
operation. It also states that political architecture under which the ferry link
was established has changed and that this also is part of the reason why the
operation is not sustainable.
Since the GSLP/Liberals formed Government on the 9th December 2011, there has
been no change in policy in relation to the Gibraltar/Algeciras ferry. As far as
the Government is aware, the vessel stopped operating the route on the 10th
January 2012. There has been no contact with the Operator until this week or
indeed discussions with the Spanish Authorities.
Jose Rodriguez representing Medexlines requested a meeting with Minister Costa
to discuss the ferry operation. The meeting took place on Monday 23rd January
2012.
At the meeting, Rodriguez explained the serious difficulties the Company was
facing due to a lack of investment. Minister Costa agreed to raise the matter
for discussion at Cabinet next week.
The Government understands that the Company has outstanding debts of circa
€240,000 owed to both Gibraltar and Spanish companies. Fees owed to the
Government total £1,320. Over the past twelve months, the numbers of passengers
aboard the
Gibraltar/Algeciras ferry were as follows:
Month Arrivals Departures
January 272 254
February 321 281
March 498 470
April 660 550
May 914 805
June 1460 1468
July 1444 1497
August 1948 1913
September 1424 1405
October 896 829
November 392 359
December 10 11