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Boulogne will be home to faster freighters
Page 18
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THE BOULOGNE Chamber of Commerce and Industry hopes to attract hauliers involved in the international transport of fish and fresh products following the launch of a futuristic cargo service.
Boulogne is set to become the European hub for the new high
speed cargo carriers called BG Vs (Bateau Grande Vitesse). which will link the French port with Drammen in Norway. Santander in northern Spain and Sheerness in Kent. The trimaran design is said to offer a top speed of 65 knots.
Journey times will he cut when the BCiVs are introduced: Boulogne to Sheerness is expected take just two hours and Boulogne to Drammen 20 hours.
Francis Leroy, president of the Boulogne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says: "We are convinced that the BGV service can attract road hauliers between the countries it will operate to and from. notably for the transport of fish seafood and fresh produce. We also believe this is an important way to support EU initiatives to move freight cargo from the roads."
Boulogne is also investing €.20m in a RO-RO berth which is scheduled to be ready in late 2007. by which time the first BGV should ready for service.
Norwegian shipping line Norferries has placed an order for four BGVs, which are seen as the marine couterpart of France's high-speed TGV train service.
Investment in Boulogne is part of a plan to turn the port into a food-distribution hub for Europe.