Spotted: DFDS’ Ferries Emerge from Major Makeover

Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque has been very busy with a major refit and rebranding project on DFDS Seaways’ ferries.  Five vessels have been completed until now and two ferries, the Calais Seaways and Malo Seaways remain at the Dunkirk-based repair yard for final works.

In just three weeks, three of DFDS’ ‘D-Class’ ferries – the Dover Seaways, Dunkerque Seaways and Delft Seaways – were upgraded.

Damen carried out an extensive work by overhauling the propulsion, stern and bow thrusters, rudders, engines and repainting the vessels with DFDS’ new livery, what required a total of 11,000 sq m of paint per ferry. The Dunkerque Seaways’ bow doors were also rehung and the Kongsberg Power Management and Control System were upgraded with the latest software and hardware.

As well as the three D Class ferries, DFDS had acquired two ferries from a former cross-channel operator  – the Côte des Flandres and the Côte des Dunes – and these underwent a similar refit. The two new vessels, which left the yard in February, joined the Dover-Calais service.

“There was a lot of competition for this major refit project. I think DFDS Seaways appreciate the efforts and investments we’ve made at our facility and we are continuously making improvements,” said Bob Derks, Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque Managing Director.

Image Courtesy: Damen