Seaspeed

Seaspeed was the brand name for a ferry service operating primarily across the English Channel during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. It was most notably associated with high-speed hovercraft services between England and France.

Seaspeed was initially formed as a division of British Rail (later British Rail Hovercraft Ltd) in 1966. It operated hovercraft services, primarily the SR.N4 "Mountbatten" class, linking locations such as Dover and Folkestone in England with Calais and Boulogne in France. These hovercraft offered a significantly faster crossing time compared to conventional ferries, making them a popular choice for passengers and vehicles.

The company faced challenges in later years, including rising fuel costs, competition from conventional ferries and the Channel Tunnel, and maintenance issues associated with the aging hovercraft fleet.

In 1981, Seaspeed merged with Hoverlloyd, another hovercraft operator, to form Hoverspeed. This merger was intended to create a stronger and more efficient hovercraft operation. While the Seaspeed brand disappeared as an independent entity with the merger, Hoverspeed continued to operate hovercraft services on the English Channel for a number of years.