Plans for a replacement Dover-Calais ferry service have emerged just days after SeaFrance collapsed into liquidation.
DFDS and LD Lines, which failed in a joint bid to acquire some of SeaFrance’s assets, plans to run two ships on the route
“We can confirm that we have continued to pursue opportunities to establish a new route between Dover and Calais,” a joint statement said. “Our intention is to operate two ships under the French flag to be manned with French seafarers.
“To open a new route, and provide an attractive service for customers, we aim to hire about 300 staff and expect to be able to start the recruitment process soon. The new route would be operated by vessels currently owned by the joint venture or vessels available on the market.”
The two companies said that more detailed information will follow as soon as possible.
“Our joint venture is still in a unique position to create a number of sustainable French jobs, including the deployment of French-flagged ships,” the statement said.
DFDS and LD Lines formed a joint venture last year in an attempt 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.