DFDS Seaways ferry Calais Seaways

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A refurbished ferry has joined battle on the Dover-Calais route with a new name.

The former Norman Spirit has become Calais Seaways and made its inaugural voyage for DFDS.

Apart from a livery facelift, on-board facilities for passengers and freight drivers have been upgraded in a multi-million pound investment.

Carsten Jensen, senior vice president and head of the Channel business at DFDS in Whitfield, Dover, said: "We are delighted that the French authorities have agreed to lend the Calais name to the revamped ship, and look forward to continuing to work closely with them to promote our service, which bridges the gap between France and the UK.

"This also represents a significant financial investment from DFDS and demonstrates our on-going commitment to providing a high quality service and experience for both passenger and freight customers."

DFDS is in partnership on the short-sea route with minority stakeholder LD Lines which formerly ran the Norman Spirit. It operates up to 44 sailings a day between Dover and France.

DFDS competes with P&O Ferries on the Dover-Calais route and also runs the Dover-Dunkirk service previously operated under the Norfolkline brand.

Competition is fierce, with strong downward pressure on prices for passengers and freight customers.

Both operators compete with the Channel Tunnel and filed complaints about Eurotunnel Group's purchase of three former SeaFrance ferries, which were then leased to My Ferry Link.

Competition watchdogs are due to give a final ruling next month.