LD Lines launches two new ferry services from Dover

Description:

Today sees the launch of two new ferry services from Dover, with LD Lines starting their new routes to both Dieppe and Boulogne.

The first sailing left the Eastern Docks at 7am, and the company plans to operate an initial timetable of two sailings per day, although this will be increased during the summer.

There is one disappointment, however. Foot passengers are not able to use the Boulogne service because there are no check-in facilities available at the Eastern Docks for passengers without vehicles.

The new Boulogne service has arrived almost six months ahead of schedule, from the previously announced 1 July 2009 start date, and with construction of the Port of Boulogne's new terminal well advanced, LD Lines plan to inaugurate the new berth facilities with the addition of a second ship to the route from 1 July 2009. Sailing frequency between Dover and Boulogne will then increase from two to six return sailings daily.

From today 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.

There is still no news of a firm start date, or indeed details of the vessel that will be used for the new Ramsgate-Boulogne route with Euroferries, which is due to come into operation in 'spring'.