Norfolkline Operating Normally for Car Traffic on Dover- Dunkirk Route!
21 December 2009
Despite challenging weather and travel conditions which have brought Eurostar services to a halt leaving thousands stranded, as well as problems at the tunnel and the closure of Calais, Norfolkline is currently operating a normal service for car traffic on its Dover-Dunkirk Channel crossing.
Chris Newey, General Manager Passenger Services, English Channel, says the ferry company is well placed to help all car travellers travel safely and comfortably across the Channel.
“Because we sail to Dunkirk, we are able to avoid most of the congestion and other issues associated with Calais,” said Chris Newey. “That means that, whilst many ferry operators are severely affected, we are able to run a relatively normal service for all passengers able to get to Dover. We are, however, totally dependent on the police and local authorities keeping the roads clear (most critically the M20), so our traffic can access the port in Dover. This is the critical factor to us clearing the backlog of traffic.”
“We are currently experiencing some minor delays but are otherwise open for business as usual and we are able to accommodate additional passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted, for example, by the closure of the Channel Tunnel.”
For the latest information on the status of Norfolkline’s ferry services, or to book a journey with Norfolkline go to www.norfolkline.com or call 0871 574 7223 (Calls may cost up to 10p per minute plus network extras) from the UK or 0044 208 127 8303 from the continent.
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Editor’s Notes:
• The travel update on the Norfolkline website and telephone number is updated every 2 hours around the clock
Leading ferry operator, Norfolkline, provides award-winning passenger ferry services on the Dover to Dunkirk route, operating 24-ferry crossings each day.
The company began its service between Dover and Dunkirk in 2000 and already accounts for almost 3 in 10 (28%) cars carried from Dover. In 2008, Norfolkline carried in excess of 600,000 cars, and this year the figure is set to rise to almost 800,000 with two and a half million passengers (figures compiled by IRN Research).
Norfolkline operates three purpose-built vessels between Dover and Dunkirk, offering the Channel’s most relaxing sailing experience. The company is steadily building up its customer base - once a customer travels with Norfolkline they tend to become a loyal advocate. This is due to a competitive price, brand new ships and Dunkirk being an increasingly popular point of entry into France, with its lack of congestion and easy access to major arterial roads.
Norfolkline’s success was recognised in 2009 when, for the second year running, the company won the Guardian, Observer and guardian.co.uk travel award for "Best Ferry Company”.