RMS St Helena selects Portland as UK port

Andrew Weir Shipping (AWS) - operators of the RMS St Helena on behalf of St Helena Line - has confirmed the UK port of call as Portland, Dorset, for the two new UK trips on the latest schedule.

The RMS - a working cargo/passenger liner - serves the British Overseas Territory of St Helena in the South Atlantic.  It was just over a year ago the RMS changed its route from being based in the UK to solely in Cape Town on a 12-month trial.  During a review of the schedules for the coming season a commercial decision was taken to return to the UK with the addition of two new north-south voyages, the first of which will be in October/November and the second in March 2006.  The remainder of the voyages to St Helena will be from Cape Town, via Walvis and Luderitz Bay in Namibia.

In light of the demise of the P&O passenger/cargo services and Safmarines "Big Whites" and the need to provide a choice for the St Helenians in both the UK and St Helena, AWS had been keen to provide a sea link between the UK and South Africa.  Commented Captain Bill Langworthy:  "It has become apparent that a link is required between the UK and the Cape, particularly as there are now no other passenger cruise alternatives.  We are delighted to be returning to Portland where we have always been warmly welcomed and the ship well served."

Portland was selected following an extensive review of a number of UK ports.  The new sailing schedules are now available from AWS on 020 7575 6480 or by visiting www.rms-st-helena.co.uk.   Andrew Weir Shipping has been operating the RMS for the last three years on behalf of St Helena Line.

For further press information please contact:
Jackie Noble on 01275 856686 or email Jackie@barneys.co.uk
Andrew Weir Shipping, Dexter House, 2 Royal Mint Court, London EC3N 4XX