Duc de Normandie's Farwell Visit at Portsmouth

[Andy]

The Duc de Normandie should be making an appearance in Portsmouth tomorrow afternoon (Friday 12th November) where she will be re-fuelled before sailing to Gdansk where she will await sale/disposal.

She will be arriving at 1515 and departing at 1730 (with some accompanting Polish and Dutch crew).

This looks likely to be the last time the Duc de Normandie will come to UK waters, so anyone in Portsmouth should get down to the Round Tower to catch a last glimpse what is likely to be the last 'classic' ferry - to sail from Portsmouth as well as for Brittany Ferries.

[Normandie]

Interesting, it seems they do not have the possibility to fuel the ship in Caen or Ouistreham ?
Why is the ship going to Poland ? Will it get some repairs at a shipyard or did it find a buyer from there ?
I did wonder already whether GA Ferries or another Greek company will buy it.

But I think in the future there will not many old ships go to Greece as they have the EU law there, that beginning of next January they can not use ships which are over 35 years old, and in case of getting a newbuild it must be under 20 years old !!

[Paul]

I assume she dock at berth 4, once the Normandie has left.

[julian]

Can some1 go down there and get a pic of her please?

[Craig]

Originally Posted by Normandie

Interesting, it seems they do not have the possibility to fuel the ship in Caen or Ouistreham ?

Not sure if it is still the case, but the ships always used to get bunkered (fueled) in UK. Think it was easier due to close proximity of Fawley oil refinery to send a fuel ship from there to a Poole and Portsmouth, though seem to think that Plymouth fuel arrived in road tankers. Maybe cheaper as well ? If the other ships are due to receive fuel in Portsmouth at the same time I suppose it is less expensive for Duc to call in there rather than phone up for 'home delivery' !

[Andy]

Originally Posted by julian

Can some1 go down there and get a pic of her please?

All being well I should get down there to see her off... the end of an era.

Craig, your right the ships do all get fuelled on this side of the Channel. Plymouth now recieves fuel by barge which is then stored in shore side tanks built a few years back.

If there are going to be a few people down to see the Duc sail perhaps people could get together for a drink or two?

(Incidentally, Val de Loire is in Pompey all day tomorrow - so the Duc , Val and Normandie will all be together at some point).

[Elliot]

So where shall we all meet after she sails then?

Still and West, The Clarence (Brewsters), The Spice Island Inn...

Obviously we want one near the sea front.

[Phil K]

S&W is always an option, as its close to the Round Tower. Will you get there for the arrival, as I can't guarantee to make the departure....

[Jim]

Originally Posted by Phil K

S&W is always an option, as its close to the Round Tower. Will you get there for the arrival, as I can't guarantee to make the departure....

Yes you can Phil, think of a plan!! I will join you when I get back from work, so probably down there about 1700, Andy, I'll text when I'm on the way.

[Yann Ferries]

It is sad to see this ferry leave France:sad:
What a shame it will not stay in Caen until it is sold

Originally Posted by Normandie

I did wonder already whether GA Ferries or another Greek company will buy it.

I think this ferry may be sold to a Scandinavian company.