FRS and Clipper deliver new ferry services and open new hubs in Vancouver, Florida and Cuba
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Global ferry and shipping group FRS has acquired a majority share of travel company Clipper, which operates the high-speed Victoria Clipper ferry services from Seattle to Victoria, and Seattle to San Juan Island in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada.
FRS, which currently operates 60 vessels in 12 countries, will help Clipper to expand its Canadian service with a new hub in Vancouver connecting downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria. Meanwhile, Clipper will help FRS to launch a new ferry service from Florida, US to Cuba pending government guidance and approval.
“FRS is a company that shares our values and our vision for travel and tourism in North America, and has long-term experience in markets around the world,” said Merideth Tall, founder, CEO and chair of Clipper. “Clipper and its leadership team plan to leverage FRS’ long history of managing multi-country operation models as we launch our future growth plan. The expansion of operations to Vancouver and Cuba will further benefit both of our Canadian and American destination cities.”
Tall will remain CEO of Clipper and will retain minority ownership of the company. More details regarding the new hubs in Vancouver, Florida and Cuba will be revealed soon.
“By acquiring Clipper, we are expanding our presence in the North American market, bringing with us our long history of operational acumen and connection to the European tourism market,” said Götz Becker, CEO of FRS. “Clipper has an impressive track record in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, and will now serve even more of the Canadian market with a new Vancouver service. With the support of Clipper, we are also thrilled to launch a new ferry service between Florida and Cuba.”
Clipper also operates Clipper Vacations, which provides travel packages throughout Washington State, Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands, Portland, the Canadian Rockies and more.