D Transmanche Ferries has reported significant growth in the first three months of operation.
The company, formed earlier this year when LD Lines took over the Transmanche routes, said 8,000 cars travelled on the Dieppe Newhaven route in May 2007, while the number of passengers using the Dieppe Newhaven route has increased by 31% on the same period in 2006.
The new branch of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs saw an increase of 6% during April, carrying 6,355 cars compared to 6,012 in 2006.
This followed a 15% increase in March, the first month under the management of the new company with 4,169 passengers transported as against 3,628 in the previous year.
“This increase in traffic over the first two months of operation has been achieved in the face of schedule changes which have seen three crossings per day replaced by two,” said a spokesman.
“The Dieppe Newhaven line is developing with three crossings per day since April 30. By leasing one of its vessels for one crossing per day LD Transmanche has been able to optimize resources and improve results.
“The summer link between Newhaven and Le Havre created by LD Transmanche Ferries’ sister line, LD Lines, which leases the Seven Sisters and pays for one crossing daily, transported 2,250 vehicles in May during its first month of operation.”
By Bev Fearis
