The newest ferry in DFDS’ cross channel fleet, the Côte d’Opale – which features a 1,100sq m retail outlet – has successfully completed berthing trials in Dover, prior to starting its regular service to Calais next month.

 

As reported exclusively by Andrew Pentol earlier this year, the MS Côte d’Opale vessel replaces the MS Calais Seaways ship which will retire from the fleet. The MS Côte des Dunes and MS Côte des Flanders ships will continue sailing the Dover to Calais and Calais to Dover routes.

 

Being involved in the design of Côte d’Opale from the outset, DFDS said it knew that duty free shopping would once again be available to passengers and designed the shopping area with that in mind.

 

In an exclusive interview Steven Newbery, On Board Commercial Director, Business Unit Channel, DFDS told TRBusiness earlier this year: “There will also be a strong focus on electronics, because with duty free it is not just about alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco. It is also about the wider view of 20% of 30% savings on other luxury goods from the high-street.

 

As reported, the retail space stretches across 1,100 square metres in an open-plan concept. A large atrium with a skylight is the centrepiece of the shopping experience onboard and it feature separate ‘wings’ for each product category sold including perfume and cosmetics, wine and spirits, and electronics.

 

MAIDEN VOYAGE SCHEDULED FOR 4 AUGUST

“The return of duty free means that passengers will be able to make huge savings on premium products sold in the onboard shop,” said DFDS.

 

Jesper Christensen, DFDS Operations Director, for the Channel, said: “Berthing trials in Dover went well and gave us the expected result. Dover Harbour Board was very happy with the vessel’s performance so all is proceeding according to plan. We will have a further trial just before our maiden voyage scheduled for 4 August.”

 

Passengers beginning their holidays on the Côte d’Opale will be travelling on the most modern ship on the English Channel as ferry travel sees a renaissance following the global pandemic.

The Côte d’Opale will be highly efficient and environmentally friendly with an expected reduction in fuel consumption of around 25 per cent compared to the current fleet.

 

The Côte d’Opale can carry 3,100 lane metres of freight, making it the longest ship on the Channel, and 1,000 passengers. It replaces Calais Seaways, which is currently operating on the Dover-Calais route alongside Côte des Flandres and Côte des Dunes.

 

IMPROVEMENTS IN FUEL CONSUMPTION

The ship has been named Côte d’Opale, after the French coastal region that borders Belgium and overlooks the English Channel that is known as the ‘Cornwall of the Continent’.

This ship is more environmentally friendly than the ferry which she is replacing. With two engines instead of four, the Côte d’Opale will see improvements in fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions and give a service speed of 20-22 knots. Her active stabilisation also makes it very smooth on the crossing.

 

DFDS will operate the ship for an initial ten years with an option to buy it after that. It has the capacity to handle growth in both freight and leisure customers post-Brexit and Covid-19.

 

The Côte d’Opale has three dining areas onboard. The 7 Seas restaurant and Lighthouse Café are for leisure travellers. Commercial drivers have their own dedicated area in the Road Kings lounge and restaurant, with showers and rest areas specially designed for drivers.

 

“With excellent passenger and driver facilities, improved environmental impact and increased capacity, welcoming Côte d’Opale to Dover is welcoming a new era of cross channel ferry travel,” said DFDS.