HOVERSPEED bosses have finally confirmed that they will not operate on the Dover-Calais route in the future. The last craft is expected to sail on Monday.

There had been uncertainty for some time about the future of the fast ferry service, which has closed for the winter months for the past two seasons.

Hoverspeed's parent company Sea Containers had said they would make an announcement by the end of October, but nothing was heard until Thursday night when it was confirmed in New York that the route is closing.

The company said it was no longer able to support Hoverspeed's losses on the English Channel "so it will not operate the Dover-Calais route in 2006 or thereafter."

It said: "Hoverspeed has commenced consultation with staff as required by labour law, which will result in a significant number of redundancies." It is believed about 100 jobs will go at Dover.

Sea Containers say they are establishing a "restructuring charge" of 15 million US dollars to cover the closure of the services.

The news comes just hours after P&O Ferries announced they were cutting at least another 56 jobs.

The company has proposals to streamline its call centre, port services and operations departments at Dover. There is still speculation about a bid to take over P&O, which would include P&O Ferries.

Meanwhile, Norfolkline has brought the first of its three new ships into operation on the Dover to Dunkerque route.

The company has made a multi-million pound investment in its new fleet, with the second ship due to arrive next month, and the third next summer.