Displaying items by tag: IrelandFranceSpain ferry

27th August 2014

LD Lines to Cease Ireland-France-Spain Services

#IrelandSpainFerry – Ireland's first historic ro-ro ferry connection to Spain via a France 'landbridge' service launched in January by LD Lines as previously reported, is to cease operations with the final sailing departing Rosslare this Friday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

In a statement released to Afloat.ie, "LD Lines can confirm that we will be withdrawing our Rosslare - St.Nazaire - Gijon services after the 29 August sailing from Rosslare. Bookings had only ever been taken until 5 September and sailings for the final week of sailings were suspended as long as March whenever the decision was taken only to operate the service for the peak summer season.

The company spokesperson added, "Any passengers booked on the last two sailings have been transferred to the Rosslare - Cherbourg route. Only a very small number of passengers were affected by this decision." For ferry sailing information click HERE.

Norman Atlantic, (ex. Scintu See Photo) a 26,904 tonnes ro-pax ferry, is due to make her final inbound sailing to Rosslare tomorrow (28 August) and remain overnight in the Wexford port.

As referred above, her final outbound sailing from Rosslare on Friday (29 August) departs at 21.00 to St. Nazaire. The 22 hour crossing is scheduled to arrive at 19.00 the following day in the south Breton port downriver from Nantes along the Loire estuary.

LD Lines 'Motorways of the Sea' route allowed for a stopover en route in mid-west France before completing the journey to Spain at the port in the northern region of Asturias. Passengers had the added option of visiting resorts in western France and throughout Spain.

The French operator's core market was to capture the Irish-Iberian freight trade by offering a more cost effective and environment friendly alternative. A notable benefit particular to freight drivers was avoiding longer distances across France and EU haulage directives.

Norman Atlantic's 550 passenger ferry is of the popular Italian Visentini built ro-pax design. She can accommodate 110 freight vehicles or 150 trailers along with 200 tourist cars. As also reported, she had been previously off-service for three-months for dry-docking and other duties until she resumed the Irish route in June.

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The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

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In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.