SeaFrance acquires third modern ferry

SeaFrance is completing a six-year fleet renewal programme with a newly-named ferry.

SeaFrance Moli-ƒ~¨re, with a capacity for 1,200 passengers and a car deck capable of carrying 660 cars or 110 trucks, has been acquired from French ferry company SNCM.

It is due to enter service this summer as the company replaces SeaFrance Manet and the SeaFrance Renoir to double the volume of services offered on the Dover-Calais route.

Moli-ƒ~¨re completes a fleet renewal programme, which started in 2002 with the arrival of the SeaFrance Rodin and subsequently the SeaFrance Berlioz.

The newly acquired vessel will offer double decks to aid fast loading and embarkation.

The increased economy from a modern large vessel, coupled with monitored speed sailings, will enable SeaFrance to offer a greater environmental performance, the company claimed.

Managing director Robin Wilkins said: -¬---We are looking forward to welcoming our third new generation ferry, the SeaFrance Moli-ƒ~¨re, to our fleet and believe that she will be greatly appreciated by our customers, being of similar size and quality to the SeaFrance Berlioz and the SeaFrance Rodin.-¬~

by Phil Davies

Friday, March 28, 2008