Norman Leader launching ceremony in Singapore
Named Norman Leader, the new car ferry of LD Lines, was launched today, Thursday 8th October, during a ceremony held in the Singapore's ST Marine Shipyard in presence of Mr. Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, President of LOUIS DREYFUS ARMATEURS GROUP. Mrs Thérèse Gehanne, Godmother of the ship also attends the ceremony with her husband, Pierre Gehanne, Chief Executive Officer of LOUIS DREYFUS ARMATEURS GROUP and Hervé Lapierre, Head of Newbuilding and Project Department.
The Norman Leader, whose commercial exploitation is planned for early summer 2010, is specially designed for Channel crossing, between Le Havre and Portsmouth.
Her technical features should appeal to both tourists and cargo carriers between France and Great Britain. The 85 crew members can serve 1,215 passengers and embark 67 trucks and 200 cars (or 44 trucks and 400 cars).
Equipped with two ramps, the vessel has 2 decks for freight and vehicles of 1,500 linear meters and 2 hoistable car-decks of 1,000 m2. The ship also accepts dangerous goods and reefer trailers.
The interiors are mixed and directed to both truck drivers with a 100-seat dedicated restaurant and a 210 seats self-service restaurant for the general public. The Norman Leader has also two bars.
She is equipped with 162 passenger cabins including 7 luxury and 2 cabins especially designed to accommodate disabled persons.
Her four main engines will develop a power of 30 000 hp allowing her to sail at 21,4 knots service speed.
The Norman Leader will join the LD Lines fleet in the Channel composed of the Norman Spirit, Norman Voyager and Norman Arrow.
