THERE are renewed hopes a historic 139-year-old shipping route could be relaunched next year.
In October, Danish firm Regina Line announced plans to operate ferry crossings between Harwich to Esbjerg three times a week, starting from spring 2015.
But the company now says the first ferry will set sail on March 12, 2016.
The proposed new service would replace the DFDS Seaways, which was cancelled because of dwindling passenger numbers and expensive new sulphur emission regulations.
Harwich mayor Dave McLeod said it would be “splendid news” if Regina Line did restart the route.
He said: “It has certainly come out of the blue as there was lots of doubts put on it.
“If it happens, it will be a great boost for the area and for the town.”
The Standard contacted Regina Line for comment, but did not receive a response.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here