LD Lines are a French maritime operator which runs ferry services to Boulogne, Dieppe and Le Havre in France, to Dover, Newhaven, Ramsgate and Portsmouth in England, UK and to Ostend in Belgium. LD Lines provides a frequent, reliable and great value-for-money way to visit these popular destinations, and has prices as low as £9 for foot passengers.
LD Lines started in October 2005 by running the Portsmouth to Le Havre route. LD Lines were then awarded the contract to run the Transmanche Ferries connection from Newhaven to Dieppe.
In 2009 LD Lines started more cross-channel ferry services; in February 2009 a twice daily service between Dover and Boulogne commenced. With the launch of the Norman Arrow, the largest catamaran ever to work the Channel, LD Lines increased the service to 6 crossings daily.
LD Lines have recently announced the addition of Ramsgate / Ostend route to their routes network thereby expanding their ferry network to Belgium as well.
Routes
Dover to Boulogne Ferry
Please note: LD Lines will cease operating the route between Dover and Boulogne from the 5th of September 2010.
The LD Lines Dover to Boulogne service now offers up to 14 daily return services offering fantastic flexibility for passengers. These crossings are operated by sister ships, the Norman Bridge and the Norman Trader.The average sailing time is about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Portsmouth to Le Havre Ferry
LD Lines operates two weekday crossings from Portsmouth to Le Havre and 1 crossing weekend days. In November 2009 the Côte d'Albâtre will provide 1 daily return service, and from Easter to September 2010 the Norman Arrow will commence service on the route, offering a reduced journey time of 3 hours 15 minutes.
Newhaven to Dieppe Ferry
Transmanche Ferries, LD Lines sister company, offers up to 3 sailings per day from Newhaven to Dieppe, with an average sailing time of 4 hours.
Ramsgate to Ostend Ferry
Starting in March 2010, LD Lines are now offering ferry crossings between Ramsgate and Ostend. There will be upto 2 daily crossings to and from Ostend with an average crossing time of 4 hours.
Onboard Facilities
Whilst on board customers may wish to make use of one of the variety restaurants and bars, or catch up on some work in the business lounge which is equipped with wi-fi facilities. Other facilities include: a bureau de change, a top quality shop, video games, slot machines, large flat TV screens, wi-fi throughout the ships, reclining seats and a choice of comfortable cabins if required. Thanks to the Oceancell technology, passengers can also use their mobile phones during the entire crossing. LD Lines also have the licence to carry pets under the Pet Travel Scheme.
LD Lines is part of the Louis Dreyfus Group, which has been engaged in shipping activities for over 100 years and is today one of the world's 10 leaders in the bulk carrier industry. The group has merchandised and traded bulk agricultural commodities in international markets since 1851.
