The 1,000-passenger ship will be built by China’s Avic Weihai shipyard and debut in 2021
By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Passenger and freight ferry operator DFDS has chartered a new ferry for the English Channel, which will be built by China’s Avic Weihai shipyard and debut in 2021.
DFDS will charter the ferry from Stena RoRo for a period of 10 years and then explore purchasing options. The ferry, which will consume 25% less oil than other similar vessels, will be able to carry 3,100 lane metres of cargo and 1,000 passengers. This will make her the largest vessel of her kind on the Channel.
“Since the ship has not yet been built, we have great opportunities to make sure that she is designed to give our guests the best possible experience,” said Peder Gellert, executive vice president of the Shipping Division at DFDS. “We will charter the ship from Stena RoRo and operate her for 10 years with an option to buy her after that. And since we are considering replacing the fleet on the Channel in 2031, the timing is really good.”
Four DFDS captains have been using simulators to test how to navigate the future ship to make sure that she is equipped for the conditions on the Channel.
“When sailing on the Channel, we need to ensure that the ship is at least as fast in arrival and departure situations as our current ships,” said Henrik Tidblad, commercial fleet director at DFDS. “Therefore, we have made modifications to increase manoeuvrability.”
The initial plan is for the new ferry to replace DFDS’s oldest ferry, Calais Seaways, which was built in 1991. However, market developments will determine the final deployment plan, which will be announced in 2020.
“I am really looking forward to getting this fantastic ship to boost the business on the Channel,” said Kasper Moos, vice president of Business Unit Channel at DFDS. “This new ship gives us excellent opportunities to develop our business on the commercial side. A newbuild ship will give us the flexibility to make room for tax-free shopping, depending on the outcome of Brexit. Together with an architect, we will design the interior of the ship to make sure we maximise our opportunities.”