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Fears for future as ferry route is scrapped
Talks have been held between council officials in the North East and in Norway over the decision by DFDS Seaways to scrap its ferry service between Newcastle and Bergen.
It is due to close on September 1, with the expected loss of 340 jobs in Britain, Norway and Denmark.
DFDS Seaways said that the rising cost of fuel has played a part in its decision to end the Newcastle to Bergen, Stavanger and Haugesund route. The company's Newcastle to Amsterdam route is unaffected.
Councillors on both sides of the North Sea fear the loss of the service will have major implications for their respective economies.
Tourism officers from Gateshead and Newcastle have met their counterparts in Bergen to discuss possible incentives to persuade a new operator to take over the route.
Andrew Dixon, chairman of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said: "Our culture, tourism and business connections with Norway are extremely important to both our economies and we will do everything possible to secure another operator by working collaboratively with our partners."
The group now intends to approach other ferry operators to see if they would be willing to provide a replacement service.
The Danish company currently employs 270 British and Danish workers aboard the MS Queen of Scandinavia.
A further 70 other land-based jobs spread across the UK, Norway and Denmark will also be affected.
DFDS Seaways said that the rising cost of fuel has played a part in its decision to end the Newcastle to Bergen, Stavanger and Haugesund route. The company's Newcastle to Amsterdam route is unaffected.
Councillors on both sides of the North Sea fear the loss of the service will have major implications for their respective economies.
Tourism officers from Gateshead and Newcastle have met their counterparts in Bergen to discuss possible incentives to persuade a new operator to take over the route.
Andrew Dixon, chairman of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said: "Our culture, tourism and business connections with Norway are extremely important to both our economies and we will do everything possible to secure another operator by working collaboratively with our partners."
The group now intends to approach other ferry operators to see if they would be willing to provide a replacement service.
The Danish company currently employs 270 British and Danish workers aboard the MS Queen of Scandinavia.
A further 70 other land-based jobs spread across the UK, Norway and Denmark will also be affected.
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