LD Lines has announced further increases to its ferry service network to Spain with the addition of a weekly sailing to Gijón, linking in with its existing France (St-Nazaire) – Spain (Gijón) route and recently launched new service between Poole and Santander. In addition the operator will also be introducing an Ireland – France – Spain weekly service between Rosslare and Gijón via St-Nazaire on the West coast of France. 
For the first time the northern Spanish port of Gijón will provide a passenger ferry link with Poole and Rosslare, as part of a two-ship operation combining the vessels Norman Asturias and sister ship Scintu.
Complementing LD Lines’ France – Spain route between St-Nazaire and Gijón in Northern Spain and the new Poole – Santander service, the new services represent a significant development to the company’s creation of an Atlantic ferry network dedicated to the ‘Motorway of the Seas’ concept.
Christophe Santoni, Chief Executive of LD Lines, said: “We are very pleased with the early response to the new Poole – Santander service and added to our existing France – Spain route the new links between Gijón and Poole and Rosslare – France – Spain will provide the tourist passenger market with even greater choice.”
The vessels Norman Asturias and Scintu, built in 2008/2009 by the Visentini Italian shipyard, each have capacity for up to 500 passengers and 200 cars and on board facilities include 120 cabins, bar, restaurant, shop and a full range of passenger entertainment is being developed and introduced in the months ahead.
From 5th January 2014 LD Lines’ new sailing schedule will include: Rosslare – Gijón departs Fridays 21.00 via St-Nazaire; St-Nazaire – Gijón departs Saturdays 22.00; Gijón – Rosslare departs Tuesdays 22.00 via St-Nazaire; St-Nazaire – Rosslare departs Wednesdays 23.59.
