A NEW cross-Channel freight service is to open up between Southampton and northern France in a move that will see shorter overland journey times and cost savings.
Channel Freight Ferries (CFF) will operate from next year between here and Radicatel, which is part of the Port of Rouen.
A spokesman said: "The new service will connect Europe's best road and rail networks and avoid current bottlenecks such as the M25 in the UK.''
Two ships, with a capacity of 100 freight units, will operate an overnight sailing in each direction of about nine hours, with daily morning sailings being added by September 2004.
The company's core service will be the shipment of hazardous loads, trade cars, unaccompanied trailers, containers and abnormal cargoes.
Purpose-built berths are under construction for the service.
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