New addition to the SeaFrance fleet for Dover - Calais route

SeaFrance Dover-Calais Ferries has announced the acquisition of a high performance ferry, which will allow the French operator to offer its largest fleet capacity to date and further improve its already high levels of service.

Built in 2002 and with a top speed of 27.1 knots, the ship is currently known as the “Jean Nicoli” and was bought from the French ferry company SNCM. The ship, yet to be named, will be in service for the 2008 summer season following a refit. She will replace the SeaFrance Renoir and the SeaFrance Manet and will offer a total capacity of more than the combined capacity of the two outgoing vessels.

SeaFrance achieved excellent results in 2007, which has put it in a strong financial position to buy a new ferry. Robin Wilkins, Managing Director of SeaFrance UK, praised the dedication of the SeaFrance team as vital to making the purchase possible. Wilkins commented, “It has been a great year for SeaFrance and our staff have worked hard to make this investment possible. We have listened carefully to the wishes of our customers and are confident that the new ship will demonstrate our commitment to both customer service and the future of short sea ferry travel.”

SeaFrance operates 30 daily crossings on the Dover-Calais route, with fares for a car and up to five passengers starting from just £26 each way online for any duration and from £29 return for a day trip. For more details or to book call 0871 22 22 500 or visit seafrance.com