Hi all,

I'm writing this on board the ferry (after a fantastic trip up to Nordkapp!).

It's true, DFDS will cease all sailings from the UK to Norway after September 1st. After this date the only crossing will be the awkward Scrabster-Bergen route. Handy if you live in the north of Scotland but not as regular a service.

I have spoken to DFDs staff on the ship and also tourist office staff in Bergen and elsewhere in Scandinavia over the last few weeks. This is what I've found out so far.

DFDS took over the Newcastle Scandinavia rout from Fjord lines and have said that it was always unprofitable, especially in the winter months. (All the ferries I've been on over recent years have been full to bursting point!)

If the route is closed Bergen will lose, 200,000 British tourists a year (presumably, the UK will lose the same number of Norwegian tourists. The alternative route by road (through France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, for example) is around 2500 extra road miles.

DFDS have offered the route back to Fjord line and also to Stena both of whom have declined. However, I understand Fjord line have been back to look at their old vessel five times over the last month. Also that any new service would be restricted to a summer service.

It is inconceivable that there will be no regular ferry service between the UK and Norway, and particularly that the historic link between Newcastle and Bergen will be severed.

Let us hope that sufficient pressure can be brought to bear on the ferry companies so that a reliable, regular and efficient service will be reinstated for 2009.

Regards from the middle of the North Sea,

Jojo

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