LD Lines to introduce a new second ferry on Le Havre to Portsmouth route
LD (Louis Dreyfus) Lines is very pleased to announce the introduction of a
second vessel on its popular Portsmouth to Le Havre route. The vessel will begin
operations in November 2008, and will double the number of crossings to meet the
growing demand of the passenger and freight ferry business.
The
introduction of this new ferry will also create a completely new route between
the ports of Le Havre, France and Rosslare, Ireland.
The new vessel,
which has been chosen because of its suitability for Portsmouth to Le Havre,
will carry up to 800 passengers in 110 cabins, as well as award-winning LD
Sleeper Seats and reclining seats.
Onboard the second ferry there will
be a bar, restaurant and various lounges ensuring travellers enjoy a comfortable
crossing in the usual high standard they expect from LD Lines.
The new
vessel will have a freight capacity of 2250 lane metres, which will allow the
transportation of up to 120 trucks. All freight drivers will be given a berth in
a cabin and will have access to the dedicated freight-only restaurant.
During the weekdays, LD Lines will operate a second daily departure from
each port: sailing at lunchtime from Portsmouth and in the evening from Le
Havre. This doubles the choice of sailings for customers in both
directions.
In addition to improving its UK service, the French company
has also announced the creation of a new crossing to Ireland. Every weekend the
ship will make a round trip between the ports of Le Havre (Friday) and Rosslare
(Saturday). With a service speed of 24 knots, the new ferry will do the crossing
between France and Ireland in only 20 hours.
The new Irish link will
serve a growing passenger market as well as meet the requirements of an
expanding freight market. For example, many new vehicles produced by
Peugeot-Citroën and Renault will be transported on the new LD Lines route by the
freight haulage companies Gefco and CAT.
For further information please
contact:
- Managing Director - Christophe Santoni +33 (0)1 70 38 60
71
- Press Relations - Claude Sokolski +33 (0)6 79 45 93 21
