Two renovated DFDS ferries on the Dover-Calais route are entering service this month, with one of the vessels already in operation.
The first of the two ships, named Côte des Dunes, entered service on February 9, while the second, Côte des Flandres, is due to enter service on February 22.
The ships were originally handed over to DFDS in September 2015. Since then, a thorough assessment of both ships has been conducted, followed by the development of a detailed plan for their new design and layout.
Previously known as Rodin and Berlioz, the two ships, which are on charter from Eurotunnel, are designed to carry a mixture of car passengers and commercial vehicles and have capacity for up to 1,900 passengers and 2,000 lane metres of freight.
As with all DFDS ships on the Channel, the vessels will feature a large dedicated area for commercial drivers. This includes shower facilities, a restaurant and quiet lounge area in which drivers can relax, unwind and eat a hot meal before resuming their onward journey.
Carsten Jensen, Senior Vice President at DFDS, commented: “We are always striving to deliver our customers the best possible experience on our ferries.
“Côte des Dunes and Côte des Flandres are important parts of our commitment to offer customers a sustainable, frequent and reliable cross-Channel ferry service.”
The Calais ships complement DFDS’ Dover-Dunkerque service, which also has three ships in its fleet. The combined total daily sailings between Dover and northern France will therefore increase to up to 54.
