by business editor Trevor Sturgess

LD Lines is taking the high speed catamaran Norman Arrow off the Dover-Boulogne cross-Channel route after less than four months and replacing it with a conventional ferry.

From November, Norman Spirit will transfer from the Portsmouth to Le Havre route.

The change will almost double journey times for passengers from Dover - the Norman Spirit crossing will take around one hour 45 minutes compared to just an hour at present.

However, a spokesman for LD Lines said delays in berthing and unloading Norman Arrow at Boulogne closes the gap between the times.

Norman Spirit will operate four return sailings daily between Dover and Boulogne. The ship has capacity for 1,850 passengers, 700 cars, 110 freight vehicles and the service will also carry coaches and foot passengers.

This compares with Norman Arrow's capacity for 1,200 passengers, 417 cars, or combination of 195 cars and up to 30 freight vehicles.

The operator was concerned about capacity issues with the fast craft and the speed of berthing, loading and unloading.

Christophe Santoni, LD Lines's managing director, said: "The decision has been taken because the first of the present generation of fast ferries is not providing enough freight capacity and without double deck loading and unloading capabilities, will not enable us to develop the service as we would like.

"We also recognise that pre-requisites of providing a complete high speed service concept should include fast crossing times combined with fast berthing, loading and unloading of vehicles.

"We remain convinced the freight and tourist traffic high speed ferry concept can ultimately work across the Dover Straits and we will be continuing a dialogue with the shipbuilders regarding the next generation of fast ferries, incorporating improvements that we see as vital."

Norman Arrow was introduced on the Dover - Boulogne route in June.