Ferry operator DFDS Seaways has been named the World's Leading Ferry Operator for a third year in a row.

The company, which operates up to 44 sailings a day between Dover and France, received the honour at the World Travel Awards in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, November 30.

It is the latest in a string of successes for DFDS Seaways, which was also named Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator at the European leg of the World Travel Awards in August, for the second year in a row.

Max Foster, passenger director for DFDS Seaways, said: "We are very honoured to be awarded World’s Leading Ferry Operator for three consecutive years.

"This is a fantastic endorsement of the excellent service and standards we strive to deliver to our loyal customer base.

The World Travel Awards are hailed as the premier awards for the travel and tourism industry, with winners decided by votes from travel industry professionals and consumers

"This prestigious award is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, who work tirelessly to provide the very best travel experience."

Last year, DFDS Seaways transported 5 million passengers across its 11 passenger routes, which also include services from Harwich to Esbjerg, Newcastle to Amsterdam, Newhaven to Dieppe and Portsmouth to Le Havre, along with a number of ferry routes across the Baltic Sea.

Mr Foster added: "We believe that a customer’s holiday should start as soon as they board a DFDS Seaways ferry and are committed to continuing to provide the highest quality service and experience for everyone who sails with us.”