Press Release
DFDS ANNOUNCES NEW SHIP TO REINFORCE ITS SLEEVE CHANNEL LOT
Hamburg, 31.05.2019 . Construction on the new ship, named "Côte d'Opale", started with the first steel cut.
DFDS, one of the leading ferry companies, has announced the name of the new ship, which is scheduled to commence operation on the English Channel from 2021 onwards.
The "Côte d'Opale" is named after the French coastal strip that borders Belgium and is directly opposite the famous white chalk cliffs in the southeast of England.
On May 30, the ship embarked on the first step of its journey with a traditional steel cutting ceremony. The "Côte d'Opale" is being built at the AVIC shipyard in Weihai (China) and is scheduled to commence operation on the Calais-Dover line in 2021. With a capacity of 1000 passengers and crew members, it will be the longest ship on the English Channel.
With the new ship DFDS wants to offer its customers the best possible service and an optimal experience on board day after day. At the beginning of the year, the company invested in a comprehensive fleet renewal program to continue to optimally meet its customers' needs while ensuring continued growth. The focus is on optimizing the customer experience with additional amenities for passengers, familiar surroundings and dynamic nutritional concepts. In addition, passengers will be able to enjoy wireless internet, a children's play area and an easily accessible outdoor area.
This new concept for modern sea voyages is to be gradually extended to the entire English Channel fleet, ensuring a consistent experience along the lines of the "Côte d'Opale". So DFDS wants to improve the best possible customer experience on its ships and offer it across the entire fleet.
Kasper Moos, head of DFDS 'Short Routes and Passenger business unit, said: "We are delighted to announce the name of our new vessel, the Côte d'Opale. The first steel cut is a very special and exciting moment, from which the ship takes shape for the first time in its production. The 'Côte d'Opale' will give our passengers a relaxed travel experience with modern food concepts and an extensive shopping experience on the English Channel. With this, we continue to put the customer at the center and are constantly looking for improvements to make the journey with DFDS a very special, unforgettable experience. "
ABOUT DFDS: As one of the leading ferry companies, DFDS operates passenger and freight routes in Europe. With a fleet of more than 50 ships, we bring around six million people safely each year across the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the English Channel. In addition to the simple passage, the shipping company's portfolio includes mini-cruises, package tours and group tours. For the eighth time, DFDS has been awarded the World Travel Award for being the world's best ferry company. It is entitled "Europe's Best Cruise Line" the twelfth consecutive year. For more information www.dfds.de .
Championing the Seas!
We're elated to announce that DFDS has once again retained its title as Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator at the 2024 World Travel Awards.
This accolade wouldn’t have been possible without you, our loyal passengers. Thank you for recognising the hard work of our exceptional team members who are dedicated to ensuring each voyage is as exceptional as the next.
Your ongoing support is the anchor to our success.