The first High Speed Motorway of the Sea in Europe

The port authority of Boulogne-sur-Mer (in fact the Chamber of Commerce) and ERI-MARINE entered in to a partnership in order to design and develop the first "hub" i.e. network of high speed Motorways of the Sea linking Norway to Spain via Boulogne and the United Kingdom.

HSC vessels were selected as no other craft could deliver the service requested by clients, i.e. maritime transport of trailers faster and less costly than by road on long distances.

HSC cargo vessels made it possible to link ports 600 miles apart in less time than by road. The vessels have a high deadweight, optimised for the carriage of lorries and/or trailers. In spite of sustained high speeds of more than 30 knots in all sea conditions, the resulting carriage cost can be 30% lower than road transport.

Depending upon the traffic flow HSC C 160 and C 210 will be put into operation. Service is due to start by mid 2008 between the ports of Drammen (Norway) and Boulogne (France). Services to Sheerness (United-Kingdom), Santander (Spain) and Vigo (Spain) will start afterwards.

More information : boulogne-hub