LD Lines' "Norman Arrow" Review

Gary Phillips tries out LD Lines' service from Dover to Boulogne aboard the Norman Arrow, the largest diesel fuelled catamaran in the world. ***Note the Norman Arrow now is operating on the Portsmouth / Le Havre route***

Arriving at the Port of Dover for the second time in a week, it did seem very much business as usual. There were the same lanes of traffic being directed to their appropriate check-in booths, a similar quantity of lorries parked orderly in preparation for their crossing, and the occasional lost tourists. This time I was however in for a very different experience. At the end of the Eastern Docks LD Lines’ brand new vessel, the Norman Arrow, was returning from its first leg of the day from Boulogne. It has only been in operation since June 5th 2009, but the queue of waiting cars and lorries was healthy-looking.

Larger Image. Boarding the largest passenger catamaran in the world seems easier than any ferry I have travelled on to date. The length and width of the vessel allows for the car and freight decks to be box-shaped, which in turn allow for more efficient use of space. This is clearly a development that the builders, Incat (International Catamarans Pty) of Hobart, Tasmania, have perfected with the evolution of their radical design. As we were booked with priority boarding, we were loaded on first, and were directed to the front of the top deck, which allowed us to be the first off when we reached Boulogne.

It took very little time for the remaining vehicles to be loaded onto the Norman Arrow, so we were soon on our way, moving slowly out of the Port of Dover into the choppy-looking waters of the English Channel. 

Public Areas and Seating

The public areas of the Norman Arrow allow a 360 degree view of the journey. Not only can you stand outside on the rear of the ferry, but all seats have a clear sea view, with the Premier Lounge seats at the front offering a pilot’s eye view of the Channel as we move across it. This is the only ferry that I know that allows passengers to have that. Furthermore, there are screens around that show the speed (mostly 35-38 knots), the distance from arrival, and its actual current location.

There are two cafes serving fresh food and a shop selling duty free goods. The seating throughout the Norman Arrow is very comfortable, with bright, colourful aircraft-style seats. Even with a full house, there is plenty of floor space for people to move around, but the one thing I did notice about the journey was that customers seemed very inclined to sit and take advantage of the views and the comfy seats.

As the Norman Arrow is so new, the carpets, metalwork, toilets, and everything looked immaculate.

Vital Statistics...

The technical statistics are impressive; it can carry over 1200 passengers, up to 417 cars or a combination of up to 30 freight vehicles and 195 cars, it's 112 metres long making it the longest diesel-powered high speed catamaran in the world, capable of 40 knots at full tilt. Yet, it weighs just 1300 tonnes, six times less than some of the other ferries in Dover that carry up to 600 cars, because it’s made of aluminium instead of steel. Together with its reduced drag, its fuel efficiency and sustainability make it a real threat to the behemoths that currently rule the English Channel. In short, this has to be the future of ferry travel.

All the stats are reflected in the fares; not only are they often cheaper than the other routes, but the shorter journey time further down the coast to Boulogne also saves driving time, up to 70kms if you are travelling to Normandy, and something similar if you are heading for Paris. The Port of Boulogne is re-developing the ferry docking facilities which will reduce turn-around time too. The added bonus is that Boulogne is town that you would actually want to visit. With its fish market, charming architecture, shops, restaurants and sights, its a place worth taking a day trip to without having to take the car at all as its right there as you walk off. A day return for a foot passenger is £18 return at the time of writing.

This route has had a few operators come and go over the years, but LD Lines have deep pockets and are clearly in it for the long haul.

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