The ro/pax vessels have been built by a shipyard in
Szczecin, originally for another shipping company, and they
are therefore obtainable with short notice.
Vessel No. 1 is expected to be delivered at the end of
July 2002, and vessel No. 2 in November 2002. The two
vessels are sister ships, each with 77 cabins, a capacity
of 2200 lane metres, and a service speed of 22 knots.
Vessel No. 1 will be employed on the Esbjerg/Harwich
service, commencing as an all-freight vessel until October
2002, when it will transform into a ro-pax vessel (freight
and passengers) in replacement of m.s. DANA ANGLIA, which
at that time will transfer to the new cruise ferry service
to Poland opened by DFDS Seaways. Vessel No. 1 continues on
the Esbjerg/Harwich service until April 2003, at which time
vessel No. 2, with substantially increased passenger
capacity, will take over this service.
The increased passenger capacity comprises a significant
number of extra cabins, expanded restaurant area, as well
as public area, resulting in vessel no. 2 being able to
accommodate some 600 passengers in 200 cabins.
Vessel No. 1 is hereafter planned sold to the DFDS Tor
Line subsidiary, AB Lisco in Lithuania, for employment in
their Baltic Sea services.
The acquisition of the two ro-pax vessels is part of
DFDS’ previously announced fleet renewal programme. This
plan includes the adjustment to a ro-pax concept on the
Esbjerg/Harwich service, as well as the improvement of the
existing Lisco ro-pax concept in the Baltic Sea.
The investment in the two new vessels is expected to
have a minor negative effect on the expected result for
2002.
Yours sincerely,
DFDS A/S
Ole Frie
Presiding Director