New Ferry Named at Greenwich
The river Thames at Greenwich is hosting the naming of the new CLdN-owned roll-on/roll-off cargo ferry, Amandine.
CLdN and Cobelfret are jointly the busiest operator on the Thames, with vessels travelling from their terminal at Purfleet (just upriver of the QEII road bridge) and Ford Motor Company's facility at Dagenham to destinations in Belgium and the Netherlands offering around 40 sailings every week. Cargoes carried on their services include everything from cars and machinery to foodstuffs and supermarket supplies.
Amandine, which at 195.4 metres is as long as 19 buses parked nose to tail, will be named by PLA chairman, Helen Alexander, CBE. The vessel is expected initially to be deployed on CLdN's routes between the UK and Rotterdam alongside her sister ships.
Guided by a PLA Pilot, Amandine made the voyage from Purfleet through the Thames Barrier to Greenwich in readiness for the Christening Ceremony. Please see the image gallery below for pictures.
Amandine transits the Thames Barrier
Through the Barrier on the voyage to Greenwich
Passing the Millennium Dome
View from an escorting PLA launch
Approaching the anchorage
Amandine is ready to be Christened
An explosion of coloured streamers as the champagne bottle breaks
Proud skipper Captain Sadovoy with his brand new ship
