LD Lines to operate Portsmouth - Le Havre route
Sat 1st Oct 2005
Following recent speculation, Port managers are pleased to confirm that Paris-based shipping company, LD Lines (a subsidiary of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs), will commence operations between Portsmouth and Le Havre on 3 October 2005.
Following recent speculation, Port managers are pleased to confirm that Paris-based shipping company, LD Lines (a subsidiary of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs), will commence operations between Portsmouth and Le Havre on 3 October 2005. Commenting on the announcement, Port manager Martin Putman said: "This announcement is the fruition of combined effort by parties both sides of the Channel to ensure that the Portsmouth-Le Havre route, a key gateway to and from northern France and beyond, continues. We're delighted to welcome Louis Dreyfus Armateurs on board - it has a proven reputation as a as a ship owner and shipping operator with over 100 year's experience and we look forward to developing and growing our businesses together." The 1992-built 'Norman Spirit' has a capacity of 1850 passengers and 120 trucks and will operate a daily rotation between Portsmouth and Le Havre commencing 3 October. Traffic forecast on this line is an estimated 600,000 passengers and 50,000 trucks. Portsmouth City Council's Executive Member for Planning, Regeneration and Economic Development, Mike Hancock, said that a massive behind-the-scenes effort had secured the future of the route, which it is anticipated will be good for local jobs as well as the economy. He said: "The Council has made substantial investments in the Port over recent years, resulting in modern and flexible facilities for its customers. We will continue to support Port management with its work in promoting the Port to ensure that it maintains its status as the premier ferry port in the western channel." Media enquiries to Sarah Babey or Aideen Kavanagh at Lawton PR on 023 8082 8562 or email sarah.babey@lawton.co.uk