by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The Norfolkline name is to disappear from the Channel after completion of its takeover by DFDS.

The Danish operator bought the business, including the Dover-Dunkirk ferry service, from A. P. Møller - Maersk but the deal, agreed in December, was subject to permission from EU competition authorities. This has now been given and integration has begun.

The ships operating between Dover and Dunkirk will be given a facelift with the new name DFDS Seaways emblazoned on the bow. The freight operation will be known as DFDS Logistics.

Norfolkline's Devdeep Dahiya, now project co-ordinator and corporate communication for DFDS, said: "The acquisition of Norfolkline by DFDS is a strategic union of companies which enables a stronger sea-based as well as land based route network with an increasing reach for customers and unique opportunities for employees."

John Crummie, DFDS Seaways UK managing director, added: "This is an exciting time for DFDS Seaways as we work towards taking sea transport and travel to a new level by offering a far greater choice of travel options to passengers and an enhanced customer service experience."

DFDS employs around 6,000 staff, operates some 63 ships and has an annual turnover of about £1.24bn.

It is now one of Europe's largest sea-based transport networks with freight and passenger routes in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Irish Sea and the English Channel and with road and rail transport services covering most of Europe.

The company said that simplifying the "brand architecture" will strengthen DFDS's visibility and profile towards customers and other stakeholders as Northern Europe's leading sea-based transport network.

"The simplification also entails advantages concerning efficiency and costs," it added.