Ferry firm drops Boulogne route

FERRY company LD Lines is ending its Dover-Boulogne passenger service after failing to get the traffic expected when it launched the route less than two years ago.

Its ferries Norman Bridge and Norman Trader will run a freight and passenger service until September 5 - the end of the school holidays - and passengers booked up until this date will be unaffected by the change.

Passengers on later ferries will be offered alternatives, including the company's other routes, and compensated with travel offers for future crossings.

Its other services are between Ramsgate-Ostende, Newhaven-Dieppe, Porstmouth-Le Havre.

Managing director Christophe Santoni said there was "huge over capacity on the Dover Strait" but they would examine every option to maintain some ferry service to Boulogne, even if only a reduced-frequency, unaccompanied freight service.

Further along the Channel at Cherbourg, ferry operators and the port are arguing over the long-term future of crossings as the port wants to close its most modern loading ramp. They are due to meet this week.