A giant new ferry will criss-cross the Channel in two years.

Operator DFDS has announced that the Côte D’Opale will start service on the Dover-Calais in 2021.

It will be the longest ship on the Channel with capacity for 1,000 passengers and crew.

The ferry had its first steel plate cut in a ceremony today.

It is is being built at the AVIC shipyard in Weihai, China

The vessel's name literally means in English, Opal Coast.

It is christened after the entire French coastal area in the Hauts-de-France (Upper France) region covering Boulogne, Calais and Dunkirk.

Kasper Moos, Head of short routes and passenger in DFDS said “We have great pleasure in announcing our new ship will be named the Cote D’Opale and the steel cutting marked a very special and exciting time as the ship starts to take shape in the construction process.

" The Côte D’Opale will give our passengers a relaxed travel experience with modern food concepts and the largest shopping experience on the channel.

"We continue to have a clear focus on our customers and take great pride in continually seeking improvements to ensure those special memorable experiences of travelling with DFDS.’’