
Press Release
DFDS ANNOUNCE OFFICIAL KEEL LAYING FOR NEW VESSEL, COTE D’OPALE
Date:15 October 2019
Today, Tuesday 15th October DFDS, the world’s leading ferry operator reached another milestone at the shipyard, Avic Shipyard in Weihai, China. The keel was officially laid on the new charter vessel, COTE D’OPALE.
The owner, Stena RoRo and DFDS will take the ferry on a 10 year bare-boat charter from delivery in China in June 2021 and the ferry will enter service on the Dover-Calais route. It will be the longest ship on the channel with capacity for 1,000 passengers and crew.
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DFDS Press Office 01304 874052 Dover.pr@dfds.com
About DFDS:
DFDS is Northern Europe’s largest integrated shipping and logistics company, with a network of around 30 routes and 50 freight and passenger ships.
DFDS prides itself on offering world-class facilities and services and the widest choice of ferry routes into northern Europe.
In the UK, the company operates passenger ferry services on routes from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, Newcastle to Amsterdam and Newhaven to Dieppe.
DFDS has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for eight years running (2012-2019), as well as the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for the last seven years (2011-18).
DFDS currently operates up to 54 sailings a day between Dover and France on its Dover-Dunkirk and Dover-Calais routes. DFDS also offers two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam. In addition, the DFDS network includes a passenger and freight service between Newhaven to Dieppe, which has four daily sailings and is operated by Transmanche Ferries.
For further information about DFDS, or to find out about the latest sailing times, fares and offers across all routes from the UK, click here.

Championing the Seas!
We're elated to announce that DFDS has been named the World's Leading Ferry Operator 2023 at the prestigious World Travel Awards – our 13th consecutive win!
This accolade cements our commitment to providing unparalleled experiences for our passengers and reflects the hard work of our exceptional team members who are dedicated to ensuring each voyage is as exceptional as the next.
To each and every one of our valued customers, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your continued support and trust in our services has been the anchor of our success.