LD Lines announces early start-up

News 24 Jan 2009 by WCN Editorial

Ferry operator LD Lines has confirmed its arrival into the Dover Straits cross channel ferry market will commence from 12 February 2009, thus bringing forward the introduction of its new Dover-Boulogne service and a new route between Dover and Dieppe

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The company, part of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, will begin a Dover-Boulogne service almost six months ahead of schedule, from the previously announced 1 July 2009 start date, by introducing a conventional freight and passenger ferry to the route.

Operating from Dover Eastern Docks, in the Port of Boulogne the ship will utilise the existing berth previously used by defunct fast ferry operator SpeedFerries.

“We can clearly identify the strong commercial opportunities for a direct ferry link to be re-established between Dover and Boulogne following the departure of the previous operator and our research shows the demand is there from tourist passengers and freight customers, to bring forward the start of the service,” says Christophe Santoni, LD Lines’ managing director.

“A profitable ferry service must rely on a combination of passenger and freight business and by introducing a conventional ship to operate between Dover, Boulogne and Dieppe, both freight and tourist markets will have an extensive choice across our expanded route network.”

From 12 February up to two return sailings daily will be provided between Dover and Boulogne with a crossing time of 1 hour 45 minutes. One round trip daily will operate between Dover and Dieppe with a crossing time of 4 hours 15 minutes.