Ferry Fast: 1 hour Dover - Boulogne on world's largest diesel-powered catamaran

LD Lines has announced the launch of the largest ever fast ferry to operate on cross channel routes, with the introduction of a brand new, high speed Catamaran to its Dover - Boulogne service from 29 May 2009.

The fast ferry will be the first-ever freight carrying high speed vessel to operate across the Dover Straits and is the world's largest diesel-powered catamaran.

LD Lines new Dover-Boulogne service will be enhanced as the new fast ferry will increase frequency from the current two to six return sailings daily. All types of tourist traffic will be carried as well as freight.

The fast ferry will operate up to four return sailings daily between Dover (Eastern Docks) and Boulogne with a crossing time of 1 hour ; from Dover at 0415 ; 0745 ; 1230 and 1900 and from Boulogne at 0700 ; 1045 ; 1700 and 2230.

Two return sailings daily to Boulogne and one to Dieppe (Monday - Friday) will continue to be operated by the conventional ferry, which introduced the earlier than planned start of the new Dover - Boulogne service in February 2009. Crossing time by conventional ferry is 1 hour 45 minutes.

Both vessels will initially operate into the Port of Boulogne's existing ferry berths, but following completion of Boulogne's new Hub Port Ro Ro Terminal from 1 July 2009, both will then transfer to inaugurate and operate into the first linkspan of the new Hub Port Terminal.

LD Lines' ferry route network comprises:

• Dover - Boulogne
• Dover - Dieppe
• Portsmouth - Le Havre
• Rosslare (Southern Ireland) - Le Havre
• Newhaven - Dieppe

For LD Lines service information, sailing schedules and to book see www.ldlines.com or call 0844 576 8836.