TILBURY GRAVESEND FERRY | Final Sailings

Final sailings of the Tilbury Gravesend ferry which was due to cease operation on 31st March 2024. However, since 31st March is a Sunday and the ferry does not operate on Sunday, the final day of operation was actually 30th March.

The video shows the final two sailings in both directions (so 6:30pm and 7:00pm from Gravesend to Tilbury and 6:42pm and 7:10pm from Tilbury to Gravesend).

The ferry has been operated by Jetstream Tours since 2017. However, their press release, issued on 1st March 2024, explains why the service is ceasing to operate:-

"Jetstream Tours has operated the Gravesend-Tilbury Ferry on behalf of Kent County Council since 2017 and are proud to have been able to provide these services to Kent and Thurrock for the past seven years.

Following a second extension to our existing contract, in November 2023, we became aware of funding issues which started through the withdrawal of funding from Thurrock Council. We have maintained positive talks solely with Kent County Council throughout this period whilst a consultation period was entered.

Regrettably due to ongoing concerns and uncertainties presented around future funding and an abandoned procurement process by Kent County council for longer-term prospects, Jetstream Tours has been unable to enter into negotiations with the council. Further short-term extensions to our existing contract sadly are not tenable for our business and staff. We feel it ultimately would lead to further protracted job insecurities and have an adverse effect on our ability to adequately employ and ensure continuity of a regular and reliable ferry service.

We regret that Jetstream Tours will not be continuing our services beyond our contracted period of the 31st March 2024. We understand that the council have been seeking an alternative operator to continue the service.

Jetstream Tours and our staff would like to thank ferry users for their ongoing support in this troubling time and we hope that a suitable funding solution can be found to sustain a regular and reliable ferry going forward."

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Penultimate sailing Gravesend to Tilbury
3:33 Penultimate sailing Tilbury to Gravesend
7:01 Final sailing Gravesend to Tilbury
10:43 Final sailing Tilbury to Gravesend

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