06-07-2014, 11:27 AM
quote:
Originally posted by PeterE
The Superferry did not go bankrupt because of oil prices.
Dude, ONE of the reasons, one of several reasons. Even the Superferry company said that the sudden rise of oil was not factored into the business model. This is an article when the Superferry was operating and starting to go under. Also, the three hours from Honolulu to Maui with very rough seas in the winter causing multiple cancellations.
quote:
http://beatofhawaii.com/hawaii-superferry-failin/
Why Hawaii Superferry Is Failing
Hawaii Superferry is not sustainable as a passenger ferry. Its problems are much worse than those the airlines are facing. This is because Superferry’s vessel, the Illikai, uses far more fuel per passenger than does an airplane.
1. Fuel. Superferry is a diesel-fuel hog. It uses up to 7,000 gallons of fuel per voyage. At 29% of passenger capacity, Superferry’s fuel cost may be nearly $120 per passenger. Even at capacity (880 passengers plus vehicles and cargo), their cost is approaching $40 per passenger at today’s fuel prices. By comparison, Hawaiian Airline’s fuel cost per passenger is now about $22. As with the airlines, Superferry did not envision $5 gallon diesel fuel. Thus it does not have a financially viable business model and that will not likely change.
"This island Hawaii on this island Earth"
*Japanese tourist on bus through Pahoa, "Is this still America?*