P & O Ferries is to launch a second fast ferry service on the western Channel from spring 2004 bringing down the time for the crossing from eight hours plus with conventional ferries to just 3 hours 25 minutes. The company currently operates conventional passenger and freight ferry services between Portsmouth ” Le Havre in addition to conventional and fast ferry services between Portsmouth ” Cherbourg. Portsmouth ” Caen will be operated from 2 April to 30 September by the Caen Express, a fast ferry with capacity for 800 passengers and up to 200 cars with a service speed up to 40 knots. The good news for the western Channel is offset by the figures on the short sea crossings where passengers are turning more and more to the Tunnel and also using aircraft.
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