HD1 enters St Peter Port yesterday after a delayed start to its season. (0558804)
HD FERRIES finally returned to Guernsey yesterday and said it was ready to repair any damage to its reputation.
After nearly two weeks of delays caused by essential parts being lost in the post and poor weather, HD1 arrived in St Peter Port at 11.35am yesterday with 244 of its 380 seats empty.
Captain Mik Henrikson said he thought that with hard work and time, the company would get its good name back. ‘I am afraid that our reputation has been dented, no doubt, but we will work hard and do our best to keep on schedule now,’ he said.
Sean Homer, operations manager for Ship & Fly, HD’s agent in Guernsey, denied that the lack of customers reflected problems with the company’s reputation.
‘This time the boat was only about half-full, but that’s because it isn’t holiday season yet and the weather hasn’t been very good,’ he said. ‘Wait until the summer when schools are out and we will be full again.’
Most passengers disembarking at St Peter Port knew nothing of HD’s recent troubles.
‘I was not aware there had been any problems,’ said John Skilleter, who was arriving with his family.
‘If I had known there were any, I might have investigated further before booking, but I don’t think it would have affected my decision. The trip was rough but the ferry was fine.’
Captain Henrikson said it was not necessary to inform passengers of the previous season’s problems.
‘Today’s passengers did not have any bookings affected and therefore they did not need to know about delays in recent weeks,’ he said.
HD1 left St Malo 15 minutes late yesterday after a routine check but made up 10 minutes of that time.
‘The check was planned and involved divers looking at the ship,’ said Mr Homer.
‘We had all four engines running well and showed that once she goes, she goes well and she is fast,’ he said.
Article posted on 3rd April, 2008 - 2.29pm
Loading ...
4 Article Comments
Why not give HD Ferries a chance, It might wipe the condesending smile from Condor’s face, especially if HD sail to the UK as I’ve heard roumored!
if hd wish to regain the good reputation let them think of lowering the prices. that would be a great start, the local people getting a bargain, yea i think not, i would travel a lot more with my family if it were cheaper to do so, time would not be of great concern but cost is, i could cope with being late somewhere, but it is not so good when it affects your pocket,
I was travelling back from France the other day with Condor Ferries as it pulled into Jersey on route to Guernsey. As the boat pulled into its berth I looked over to see HD Ferries alongside. I was shocked to see how badly damaged not only the structure of the boat was but the paint work also. The HD1 looked as if it had been in service for the past year already and not as if it was just coming into the new season. Not a very good advert for a company that’s looking to regain confidence and reputation within the islanders.
By slating HD Ferries, locals will ensure that the company will get no business, and will fail. And Condor monopoly prices remain.
By supporting HD Ferries so that they can operate efficiently will result in great competition and great prices.
You decide !