Rival alliance sparks Sally Ferries review

Sally Ferries, the cross-Channel ferry operator, is reviewing its advertising account with Ammirati Puris Lintas in the light of the new joint venture between Stena and P&O.

APL says it is on the pitch-list for the 1m business, though it is unclear which other agencies have been shortlisted.

The move comes after a review of the business by chief executive Bill Moses, who joined the company at the end of last year.

A Sally Ferries spokeswoman says: “The review is part of our plans for the future. We are looking at how best to take the Ramsgate to Dunkirk service ahead. We have our own views as to what the future holds and we need to find a company which best suits our needs.”

Sally Ferries, which owns the port of Ramsgate, will face stiff competition from the merged operations of Stena and P&O. The new P&O Stena line will have about 40 per cent of the market, a slightly smaller share than Eurotunnel.

APL acquired the Sally Ferries account when it bought Kevin Morley Marketing in the summer of 1995.