Norfolkline orders third new ferry

Norfolkline has confirmed the order of a third new purpose-built RO-PAX ferry to meet growing demand on its Dover to Dunkerque cross channel freight and passenger services. The company currently has the first two ferries of its new generation RO-PAX ferries under construction at the Samsung Heavy Industries shipyard in Korea.

The first of these is due to enter service in July 2005 followed by the second vessel later that year in November. The third ferry is planned to enter service in June 2006.

“This investment reflects our desire to further improve our cross channel route, which has continued to increase in popularity since we began operations in 2000,” says Norfolkline?s managing director Thomas Woldbye.

“Norfolkline?s freight business grew significantly in 2003 and tourist traffic also increased, which was very encouraging in what proved to be a difficult trading year overall. With the introduction of the new ferries we will improve speed, service and quality in line with our aim to provide a package which is second to none – a first choice amongst tourist and freight customers alike.”

The new ferries will each have capacity for 200 cars, 780 passengers and up to 120 freight vehicles. With a service speed of 25 knots, the berth to berth crossing time between Dover and Dunkerque will be 1 hour and 50 minutes.

The new ferries are being built to meet the highest environmental standards and comply with Lloyds Register?s ?environmental protection? notation with low NOx emission, no visible smoke from any engines, low noise impact and environmentally friendly cooling systems. The vessels are also equipped with an environmentally friendly waste disposal system and additional protection around the oil tanks in order to avoid possible oil leaks.

New onboard features will include separate and exclusive decks for passengers and freight drivers respectively. For the tourist market, the company will continue to focus on the needs of the motorist by carrying only cars, caravans, motor homes and motorcycles.