Irish Ferries is introducing a new service on the Dover – Calais route starting in June 2021.
The Isle of Inishmore vessel will be transferred onto the route and additional capacity will be added in the coming months.
The company said the initial level of passenger services offered will be dependent on the easing of Covid-19 travel restrictions.
"We are delighted to welcome Irish Ferries to Dover. This announcement gives the millions of customers across the UK and the Republic of Ireland who value the intrinsic benefits of the shortest sea crossing to Europe, the prospect of even more choice," said Doug Bannister, Chief Executive, Port of Dover.
"We are very excited about launching our services on the best short sea ferry market in the world and we believe we can bring more choice for customers in the years ahead," Irish Ferries said.
