By
Michele Witthaus |
Plans are proceeding for DFDS-LD to launch its new ferry service between Dover and Calais following the liquidation of SeaFrance, with the first ferries due to start sailing in February.
The new entity, formed by DFDS Seaways and LD Lines last year with a view to taking over Seafrance assets, bounced back early this month from the rejection of its bid and announced it would start a new service on the route. In a media statement, DFDS Seaways said: “The underlying industrial logic of DFDS’ and LD Lines’ joint venture has remained intact throughout the process. Furthermore, our joint venture is still in a unique position to create a number of sustainable French jobs, including the deployment of French flagged ships.”
French seafarers will be employed on two ships, which will be vessels already owned by the joint venture or available on the market. LD Lines managing director Christophe Santoni has been quoted as saying that former Seafrance workers will be given priority for these jobs.
“To open a new route, and provide an attractive service for customers, we aim to hire about 300 staff and expect to be able to start the recruitment process soon,” said a DFDS spokesperson.
In other news, DFDS Seaways was named the World’s Leading Ferry Operator at the World Travel Awards in Doha, Qatar on 10 January.