by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Cross-Channel ferry operator Norfolkline has weathered recession to grab market share from rivals.

According to the latest figures for the year to date, the operator has overtaken SeaFrance to claim second spot.

IRN Research puts Norfolkline on 28 per cent, behind P&O (45 per cent) but ahead of SeaFrance (22 per cent) and LD Lines (five per cent). Last year, Norfolkline was on 21 per cent, behind SeaFrance on 25 per cent.

Norfolkline - part of the Danish A P Moller - Maersk Group - is on course to carry 2.5 million passengers and 800,000 cars between Dover and Dunkirk this year, some 200,000 more than last year.

Chris Newey, general manager passenger services, English Channel, said: “The latest figures not only reflect the strength and success of Norfolkline’s business model but also the fact that the company has effectively bucked the economic trend by continuing to grow and out-perform the competition.”

He claimed Norfolkline’s success was due to its fleet of new ships, dedicated decks for freight and tourist passengers ensuring that there is no need for lorry and car drivers to mix, and Dunkirk being less congested than Calais.

Norfolkline has been operating ferry services on the Dover-Dunkirk route since 2000 and now provides up to 24 sailings a day on its three vessels.