DFDS Seaways and LD Lines have confirmed they are looking to run joint ferry routes between Dover and Calais.
The ferry companies made the announcement following the French Court’s decision to liquidate SeaFrance (see earlier story).
DFDS and LD Lines formed a joint venture in 2011 and had bid to acquire certain assets of SeaFrance, but the bid was rejected by the commercial court of Paris in December.
“As previously stated, the underlying industrial logic of DFDS’ and LD Lines’ joint venture has remained intact throughout the process,” the companies said in a joint statement.
“Furthermore, our joint venture is still in a unique position to create a number of sustainable French jobs, including the deployment of French flagged ships.
“We can, therefore, confirm that we have continued to pursue opportunities to establish a new route between Dover and Calais.”
The companies intend to operate two ships under the French flag to be manned with French seafarers.
They aim to recruit 300 staff and expect to be able to start the recruitment process soon.
At the moment, the Dover to Calais route is only served by P&O Ferries.
by Bev Fearis
