by Graham Tutthill

Up to 100 jobs will be created by the addition of a second ship on the Dover to Boulogne route this weekend.

LD Lines is operating a two-ship service from Saturday, May 29.

Frequency will be increased from the current eight to up to 14 sailings daily with the introduction of the newly-named 22,152 gross tonne vessel Norman Trader, operating in tandem with existing sister ship Norman Bridge.

Both ships have capacity for up to 400 passengers and with 2,000 lane metres of vehicle deck space and can carry up to 130 cars and 40 trucks, or combinations of both.

LD Lines’ managing director Christophe Santoni (pictured) said: "The introduction of a second ship to the Dover - Boulogne route reflects our determination to develop and establish the service. The increased frequency and capacity we can now provide will undoubtedly appeal to and meet the demands of both freight and tourist cross channel customers."

Services will now leave Dover at 5am, 7am, 11am, 1pm, 5.15pm, 7pm and 11.30pm, and will leave Boulogne at 5am, 9am, 11am, 3pm, 5pm, 9.15pm and 11.15pm (French time).