The Norman Leader, which is set to become LD Lines‘ flagship vessel at a cost of £78 million, is due for completion in May 2011, but has already been opened for business. LD Lines, one of the top ferry operators in Europe, is now accepting bookings for journeys on the Norman Leader.

The giant passenger ferry is designed to replace the existing Cote D’Albatre vessel on the Portsmouth to Le Havre route. Offering space for an additional 700 passengers, the Norman Leader will

LD Lines Norman Leader now taking bookings

also provide more freight and vehicle room than can be supported by the Cote D’Albatre.

Christophe Santoni, the managing director of LD Lines, said: “She is being built in Singapore for 90m Euros (around £78m). It’s a huge amount of money. Why are we doing it? For two reasons: I strongly believe Le Havre to Portsmouth has very good economic potential for freight and passengers. Secondly, it’s very important in our business to be able to have the perfect tool for the perfect route. Cote D’Albatre’s cabins are full all year round. It’s far too little.” The Norman Leader will run a daily overnight return service from Portsmouth to Le Havre throughout the year.

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